How foreigners can register at the Russian State Library
The Russian State Library (nicknamed 'Leninka') is the country’s main depository of books, archival documents, manuscripts and other materials in different languages of the world. It currently stores more than 48 million different works. Among them are unique ancient documents, as well as modern scientific works, so, students, scientists and people who just want to read a rare edition often go there.
You can't take the books home, you can only read them in the library. However, for that, you need a library card.
From what age can you register?
Anyone can join the library from the age of 14. There is no upper age limit.
What documents do you need?
You will only need your passport with a valid visa or, if you don't have a visa, a Russian translation of your name, as the library card will be issued in Russian.
How can you register?
Russian citizens can sign up online (https://www.rsl.ru/ru/all-news/poryadok-udalyonnoj-zapisi-v-rgb), however foreigners will have to go in person and use the terminal (English is available).
In the terminal, you will need to enter your passport details, e-mail, place of work or study and take a photo. Then, take the waiting line ticket stub and, when your number comes up, approach the library staff at the desk near the terminal. They will check your passport data and give you a library card – it is a simple, plastic card with your photo and name.
It is free of charge, but, if you lose it, you will have to pay 100 rubles (approx. $1.10) for a new one.
At what addresses can you register?
The main building of the library is located in Moscow at the address: Vozdvizhenka Street, 3 / 5 ('Biblioteka imeni Lenina' subway station, red line). You will need the first (main) entrance. Opening hours: Monday - Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
A branch of the library, where manuscripts and newspapers are kept, is also located in Khimki (Moscow Region) at the address: Bibliotekhnaya Street, 15 (the nearest subway station is 'Khovrino' [green line], from there you need to take the 344 bus).
Opening hours: Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
There is also a reading room of the Center for Oriental Literature at the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center in Moscow. You can sign up at the following address: Obraztsova Street, 11 (subway station 'Maryina Roshcha' [light green line]).
Opening hours: Sunday through Thursday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Regardless of where you sign up, you will have access to all of the library’s reading rooms.
How to find/order books in the library?
There are three options: you can order the book you need online before you arrive, by phone or directly at the library. But, it may take several hours for the staff to process the order, so it is better to do it online in advance.
You can order a book online using the library’s electronic catalog https://search.rsl.ru/en#colf=03/21/2025 By the way, many publications have already been digitized, so you can read them at home.
If you can't find the book you need in the catalog, you can go to the help desk page and send your query directly (https://www.rsl.ru/ru/4readers/virtualnaya-spravochnaya-sluzhba). The library staff will always help you with your search to the best of their knowledge.
To order by phone, you need to call: +7 (499) 557-04-70, ext. 43-56.
If you still want to order in the library, then find a free computer in the reading room and place your request using the same online process. An additional benefit is, if necessary, you can contact any employee.
You can order any number of books, but you cannot work with (and leave for another day) more than 15 publications at the same time within five working days.
What can you bring with you to the library?
When entering any of the library’s branches, you must leave your outerwear and any large backpacks in the cloakroom. You will also need to leave other books and magazines you may have with you there. However, you can still bring a bag and a laptop – the library offers free Wi-Fi.