On Measures to Develop a Culture of Reading and Foster 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 for fostering a reading nation, as well as developing a creative, constructive and competitive individual, I HEREBY DECREE:

To identify the following as priority areas of state policy in the spheres of culture, education and innovation:

• Development of a culture of reading and fostering a reading nation;
• Development of modern reading infrastructure, including the establishment of new-format libraries and public spaces with extensive use of digital tools;
• Support for domestic 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;
• Stimulation of activities of publishers and distributors of books that are beneficial to the state;
• Promotion of the national literary heritage both within the country and abroad.

To the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan:

1. Ensure the implementation of a comprehensive set of measures to develop a culture of reading and foster sustainable reading habits among various categories of the population, including children and young people;
2. Ensure the modernization of reading infrastructure, including the establishment of new-format 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 the country and abroad, including through high-quality translation, publication and dissemination of works among a broad readership;
4. Commence the implementation of the national project “10 Readers of the Year” by September 1, 2026;
5. Approve, by the end of 2026, the Concept for Promoting a Culture of Reading and the Book Industry in the Context of the Development of Artificial Intelligence “Reading Nation” for 2027–2031 (hereinafter referred to as the “Reading Nation” Concept);
6. Develop, by January 1, 2027, a draft of a new Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Library and Publishing Activities”;
7. Establish, by January 1, 2027, the National Award for Achievements in the Development of a Culture of Reading;
8. Establish, by January 1, 2027, a National Digital Library Platform providing unified access;
9. Submit an annual report on the progress of implementation of the “Reading Nation” Concept to the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
   

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

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan: K. Tokayev
Astana, Akorda, May 16, 2026, No. 1279