Libraries in peripheral cities as triggers of social change
ENA particularly interesting case is that of the monofunctional towns that were once centrally planned in Moscow-based ministries to fulfil a particular function in the broader system. I analyse the current situation of two such mono-functional towns that were “left behind” in the process of post-socialist transition. My specific focus is on the possible future of public libraries in these towns: how can these institutions be re-invented as potential sources and drivers of urban revival? [...] Though the political system and cultural agenda of post-Soviet countries has dramatically shifted from the prevalence of communist ideals, the libraries in peripheral towns inherited this legacy of being central institutions or “strongpoints” for the dissemination of culture and knowledge. However, in the era of the internet and the challenges of post-socialist transformation, libraries in these countries and especially those in their peripheral towns, face numerous challenges in striving to redefine their positions and preserve their institutional relevance. [...] In both Visaginas and Kramatorsk, the town public libraries face the challenge of currently being underused, and in both towns discussions are underway regarding how to revitalize them. [p. 160-161].
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