Thousands of young people danced the night away at a ‘literary rave’ held in Moscow’s Russian State Library, widely known as the Lenin Library, according to organizers.
One of Russia’s most famous libraries traded its traditional silence for electronic beats, transforming historic reading halls into dance floors in an unusual attempt to attract a new generation of readers.
The event dubbed LitRave took place on Saturday and was organized by publishing group Eksmo-AST in cooperation with the institution. Three dance floors featured electronic music, accompanied by light installations, photo zones, and performances inspired by Russian and foreign literary classics.
The historic interiors provided the backdrop for DJs playing techno, electronic pop, and ambient music. The program also featured installations drawing on works by Russian writers, including Mikhail Lermontov and Yevgeny Zamyatin.
Admission was free, with organizers reporting that around 3,000 visitors received library cards. The event was designed to introduce younger audiences to the institution and encourage them to explore literature beyond the classroom.
The unusual spectacle quickly spread across Russian social media, with videos showing crowds dancing beneath the library’s ornate ceilings and monumental chandeliers.
It also sparked debate over whether historic reading halls should be used for mass entertainment. Some commentators welcomed the initiative as a fresh approach to promoting reading, while others questioned whether a rave was appropriate for one of Russia’s most important cultural institutions.
Ekaterina Mizulina, head of Russia’s Safe Internet League, raised concerns about the safety of the library’s valuable collections, questioning whether rare books had been adequately protected during the festivities.
The library defended the initiative, stressing that it was not a disco in a book depository but an attempt to communicate with a younger generation in a language it understands.
Officials also dismissed concerns about possible damage, saying the building remained intact and clean after the event and was ready to welcome readers.
The rave was part of a broader effort by Russian cultural institutions to reach new audiences through unconventional formats. Libraries across the country have increasingly hosted exhibitions, performances, lectures, and other events alongside their traditional reading services.
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