In June 2025, Hangzhou Public Library signed a memorandum of understanding with the Russian State Library for Young Adults. The two sides pledged to deepen cooperation through book exchanges, academic communication and joint events, so as to boost mutual cultural exchanges. As one of Russia’s eight federal-level libraries, the Russian State Library for Young Adults serves as an information, education and consulting hub for the country’s youth library service system and other public libraries catering to young people.
To implement the cooperation agreements set out in the memorandum, Anton Purnik, Director of the Russian State Library for Young Adults, led a four-member delegation to visit Hangzhou Public Library from May 11 to 15, 2026 for professional exchanges and book donation ceremonies. Hu Fang and Wang Zhuojia, Deputy Directors of Hangzhou Public Library, extended a warm reception to the visiting delegation.
Deputy Director Hu Fang, on behalf of Hangzhou Public Library, received Director Anton Purnik and his delegation for a visit to Hangzhou Public Library
The two libraries exchanged books as gifts
On May 12, the delegation toured Hangzhou Public Library and its Children's Branch to gain a comprehensive understanding of the library’s various services and operations. The delegation also attended the children’s themed art exhibition called Reading Express — A Reading Dream Bound for the Countryside held at the Children's Branch, and experienced traditional Chinese cultural activities including calligraphy, rubbing, Song-style chuiwan (ancient ball game), cuju (ancient football) and zhuma (hobbyhorse game). A book exchange ceremony was held between the two libraries. The Russian delegation spoke highly of Hangzhou Public Library’s application of modern technologies and people-oriented services. They also expressed admiration for Hangzhou’s profound cultural heritage and the efforts made to carry forward traditional culture.
Deputy Director Wang Zhuojia received Director Anton Purnik and his delegation on behalf of Hangzhou Public Library Visit the Children's Branch Library
During the visit, the delegation held a professional discussion meeting with librarians of Hangzhou Public Library. The two sides conducted in-depth discussions on multiple topics, including the development of new technologies in modern libraries, services for young readers, exchanges among young librarians, and contemporary art in library spaces. The sharing of professional experience inspired new ideas for future business operations and management of both libraries, laying a solid foundation for mutual development.
Staff members from both libraries conducted business exchanges
The delegation also paid visits to a number of branch libraries and service outlets during their stay, namely Cartoon & Animation Library, Song Dynasty Culture Library, Southern Song Aesthetics Library,Virtue Theme Library, as well as the on-campus service outlet at Hangzhou Dongcheng Foreign Language Experimental School.
Group photo of the delegation visiting the Cartoon & Animation Library.
The delegation visited Hangzhou Dongcheng Foreign Language Experimental School
Over the one-week cultural exchange program, the Russian side fully recognized Hangzhou Public Library’s practices in diverse cultural communication and extensive social cooperation. The diversity of Hangzhou’s culture and the hospitality of local people left a deep impression on all members of the delegation. Director Anton Purnik stated that the two libraries will carry out more in-depth cooperation in personnel exchanges and joint projects in the future.
