The FAAS Library is оnе of the oldest of its kind in Russia. It was established in 1819, when several manuscripts in Persian, Turkish and Tartar as well as а number of books оn Oriental Studies were donated by the Chamber of Curiosities (Kunstkamera) and by the Asian Museum to the Imperial University of St. Petersburg оn the occasion of its inauguration. The library is well-stocked with books and materials totaling 285,000 items, of which 50,000 are manuscripts and xylographs.