The ancient and valuable publications preserved in the Art Books and the Rare Books Collections of the Presidential Library’s the Library Collection Section hold particular significance for the study of Azerbaijan’s history, culture, and bibliographic heritage. These editions serve not only as reliable sources for researchers but also function as crucial custodians of national memory. However, due to the effects of time and physical deterioration, the condition of certain rare books has complicated their preservation and use, necessitating conservation interventions.

In response to this necessity, under the directive of the Presidential Library’s administration, staff members - Anastasiya Kosayeva, Afiyat Majidova, and Yashar Mirzayev - were engaged in a theoretically-grounded and practice-oriented training program at the Restoration Section of the Public-Political Documents Archive of the Administrative Department of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan from January 15 to May 15, 2025. During this four-month assignment, the participants acquainted themselves with modern approaches to conservation and restoration technologies for ancient books, acquiring substantial practical knowledge and skills.

Concurrent with the training program, 20 selected antique and valuable publications from the Presidential Library’s Rare Books Collection were transferred to the Restoration Section of the Public-Political Documents Archive, where they underwent professional conservation. This restoration process extended beyond physical rehabilitation to incorporate safeguards ensuring their long-term preservation and future security.

These restored publications have now been reintegrated into the relevant collections of the Presidential Library and made available for user access.