What are American Corners?

The American Corners program in Russia is a unique partnership between the American Embassy and roughly 30 public libraries around Russia, making information about the United States available to visitors. The Embassy stocks a dedicated area of the host library with print and audio-visual materials about the United States as well as audio-visual and computer equipment. The libraries provide full-time coordinators to oversee this collection and to organize events that attract young, well-educated patrons to learn about the U.S. and the world.

It's More than a Library!

Each Corner is much more than just a collection of media and equipment. Corners attract users through programs and activities that include lectures, film showings, tours, exhibits, conferences, seminars, workshops, discussion clubs, English-language classes, TOEFL tests, holiday celebrations, and more. Of the nearly 200,000 Russians using American Corners, at least fifty percent are students (university and high-school level). The others are teachers, businesspeople, and Russian professionals: people who make a difference in their communities.