Keyword: «merchants»

The article is devoted to the history of the origin of social public libraries in county-level cities of the Upper Volga region in the second half of the nineteenth - early twentieth century, the example of Moore and Uglich. The author considers the main statistical indicators of libraries and analyzes the need and the impact on local communities. The role of merchants in the field of library and education.

The old «Scribes' Books» mention «the best people» among the inhabitants of Nizhny Novgorod, who sail along the Volga River on ships and are engaged in various types of trade. Nizhny Novgorod provided favorable conditions for the promotion of the most talented and persistent people from the common people to the ranks of the merchants, as well as leading industrialists and financiers. They actively participated in trade fairs, raised capital for the development of enterprises and made a significant contribution to the development of the city. Thus, the history of Nizhny Novgorod merchants is rich in achievements and contribution to the economic development of the region. Old traditions and values are passed down from generation to generation, and Nizhny Novgorod merchants continue to play an important role in modern society, maintaining their reputation as the «best people» of the region.