Decree
On Measures for the Development of Reading Culture and the Formation of a Reading Nation
May 16, 2026
In order to develop human capital, strengthen the intellectual and cultural potential of society, promote reading culture as a key element of education, upbringing, and enlightenment, create conditions for the formation of a reading nation, as well as foster creative, constructive, and competitive individuals, I HEREBY DECREE:
- To determine the following as priority areas of state policy in the fields of culture, education, and innovation:
- development of reading culture and the formation of a reading nation;
- development of modern reading infrastructure, including the creation of next-generation libraries and public spaces with extensive use of digital technologies;
- 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;
- encouragement of activities by publishers and distributors of book products that are beneficial to the state;
- promotion of the national literary heritage both within the country and abroad.
- The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan shall:
- ensure the implementation of a set of measures aimed at developing reading culture and forming sustainable reading habits among various categories of the population, including children and youth;
- ensure the modernization of reading infrastructure, including the creation of next-generation libraries, multifunctional public spaces, and the introduction of modern information systems and services;
- ensure the promotion of national literary heritage in Kazakhstan and abroad, including through high-quality translation, publication, and distribution of literary works to a broad readership;
- by September 1, 2026, begin the implementation of the national project “10 Readers of the Year”;
- by the end of 2026, approve the Concept for the Promotion of Reading Culture and the Book Industry in the Era of Artificial Intelligence, titled “Reading Nation” for 2027–2031 (hereinafter referred to as the “Reading Nation” Concept);
- by January 1, 2027, develop a draft of the new Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Library and Publishing Activities”;
- by January 1, 2027, establish a National Award for achievements in the development of reading culture;
- by January 1, 2027, create a National Digital Library Platform with unified access;
- annually submit a report on the implementation progress 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.
