The National Library of Russia, located in Saint Petersburg, is one of the largest libraries in the country and holds a vast collection of over 36 million items. Established in 1795, it serves as a major research library and is a key cultural institution, preserving a rich heritage of Russian literature and history. The library's collections include books, manuscripts, maps, and periodicals, with significant holdings in Slavic and Eastern European studies. It also houses rare documents, such as the first printed book in Russia, making it an essential resource for scholars and researchers worldwide.