National Library of the Republic of Komi arranged very intensive meeting for the writers of Barents Region. Syktyvkar, the capital of Komi, received warmly Kenneth Mikko from Haparanda, Marina Lundh from Overkalix, Hans Anderson from Jokkmokk, David Vikgren from Luleo, Aud Toga from Tromso, Lene E. Westeros from Tromso and Sylvi Inez Liljegren, also from Tromso. Also Mikko Hyötyniemi, the Information Service Assistant from the Arctic Centre Information Service, participated in this meeting.

Meeting of guests in the Center for Komi Culture

First the guests got a short information about activities of the Center. Everyone was so surprised of the kindnes of the staff in the Center for Komi Culture. The traditional Komi costumes of the dancers and the musicians were really pleasant, and listening to the music of «Zarni An», the famous local music group, is always a huge experience.

Meeting with readers and librarians in the Komi National Library

The presentation of «Diversity of Ethnic Minorities Literatures of the Barents Region» was held in English which maybe was a surprice for some of the participations.

It was nice to notice that when the writers introduced themselves and gave the reports of their activities, literary works and the future plans for the public they relaxed. Actually they enjoyed of it very much. See the website of the Komi National Library.


Participation in the Second Regional Book Fair "Books capital of Komi"

Lomonosov's square in Syktyvkar, it was a fantastic idea to have book fair outside at the market place. All were quite confused when the dancers took the guests to dance with them. Such a big group with their beautiful traditional costumes was really touching. The speech of Ms. Bobrova, the Minister for Culture and National Politics of the Republic of Komi, was full of faith for the future of this Republic.

Excursion to the Komi National Library for Children named after S. Marshak

This library was founded in 1935. Today it is a methododical, scientific center of information and library activities, creation of Komi National Library for children. The stock accounts about 155.500 units of books, notes, videos, and audio materials.

Participation in the second regional book fair «books capital of Komi» at the Lomonosov's square in Syktyvkar

Syktyvkar State University is a well-known educational and methodical center of the European North of Russia. It has 25 chairs including the country's unique chairs of the Komi and Ugro-Finnic philology and economy of Northern Russia. The University possesses botanical gardens where Komi's flora and fauna are represented. There is also the book museum which stores manuscript editions of the 17th -beginning of the 20th centuries and modern editions of high artistic value. The Museum of History of Education of the Komi Land is situated also at the University. It is founded in 1982. The main collections are written resources, kino-photo, phono-documents, modern art, geology and arts of the young painters.

Departure for the Sysola region, the village of Kuratovo

The village of Kuratovo is to be found on the right bank of the river Bub. This is one of the oldest Komi villages that was mentioned first in 1586 year as Kibra. In the village there was the wooden church. In 1940 the village was renamed into Kuratovo in honour of the first Komi poet I. Kuratov. In the village there is the museum named after him. Annually in the village the poetry takes place in which Komi poets and guests from Russia and other countries take part.

Meeting with Komi writers in the village of Mezhador

Mezhador is an old Komi village. First it was mentioned 1585-86 years. At the end of the 16th century there were 25 houses and about 150 people. The main occupation of people was hunting and fishing. In the 19th century there was built the first church school. At present about 2000 people is living in the village. Hostess of the visitors is Tatjana Kanova. She is a young poetess who was born into the village of Koljel (not faraway from Visinga).

At present she works as a teacher of mathematics at the village school. Poetic talent of Tatjana was marked at one of the Republican seminars of young Russian poets in Syktyvkar. The topic of her poetry is nature, love for the people and native land.