Publication Date: 19 May 2026

ON MEASURES TO PROMOTE A CULTURE OF READING AND BUILD A READING NATION

For the purposes of developing human capital, strengthening the intellectual and cultural potential of society, promoting a culture of reading as a key element of education, upbringing and enlightenment, creating conditions conducive to building a reading nation, as well as fostering creative, constructive and competitive individuals, I HEREBY DECREE:

    1. The following shall be designated as priority areas of state policy in the fields of culture, education and innovation:

promoting a culture of reading and building a reading nation;

developing modern reading infrastructure, including the establishment of next-generation libraries and public spaces with the extensive use of digital tools;

supporting national writers and poets whose works contribute to educating the younger generation in the spirit of the key principles and provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan;

encouraging activities by publishers and distributors of book products that are beneficial to the state;

promoting the national literary heritage both within Kazakhstan and abroad.

 

    2. The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan shall:

1) ensure the implementation of a comprehensive set of measures aimed at promoting a culture of reading and developing sustainable reading habits among various groups of the population, including children and young people;

2) ensure the modernization of reading infrastructure, including the establishment of next-generation libraries and multifunctional public spaces, as well as the introduction of modern information systems and services;

3) ensure the promotion of the national literary heritage both within Kazakhstan and abroad, including through high-quality translation, publication and distribution of literary works to a broad readership;

4) commence implementation of the nationwide project “10 Readers of the Year” by 1 September 2026;

5) by the end of 2026, approve the Concept for Promoting a Culture of Reading and the Book Industry in the Era of Artificial Intelligence, “Reading Nation,” for 2027–2031 (hereinafter referred to as the “Reading Nation” Concept);

6) by 1 January 2027, develop a draft of the new Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Library and Publishing Activities”;

7) by 1 January 2027, establish a National Award for Achievements in Promoting a Culture of Reading;

8) by 1 January 2027, establish a National Digital Library Platform providing unified access;

9) annually submit a report on the progress of implementation of the “Reading Nation” Concept to the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

    3. This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its signing.

 

 

 

President

of the Republic of Kazakhstan K.K. Tokayev

 

 

 

 

Astana, Akorda 16 May 2026 No.1279