Chekhov Library in Taganrog (full name The Central Municipal Public Library named after Anton Chekhov, ) is the oldest library in the South of Russia.

Foundation history

The public library along with a small bookstore were officially inaugurated on 23 May 1876 by the Governor of Taganrog Admiral Johan Hampus Furuhjelm. In March 1878, the Public Library moved into another building granted by the City Council on Petrovskaya Street.

School years of Anton Chekhov

Among the first subscribers were the writer Anton Chekhov, historian Pavel Filevsky, Vladimir Bogoraz, artists Seraphima Blonskaya and Dmitri Sinodi-Popov.

Books from Chekhov the writer

In 1890, mayor of Taganrog Konstantin Foti asked Chekhov to send his books with author's dedications to the Taganrog Public Library.

The Chekhov Library and Museum

In 1904, following Chekhov's death, the library was named after the playwright and short-story writer. The music department of the library is located at the historical Tchaikovsky House in Taganrog.

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