On Friday, October 24, 2025, NAASR welcomed Dr. Anna Chulyan, the Director of the National Library of Armenia (NLA) at its Vartan Gregorian Building in Belmont, MA. Dr. Chulyan toured the NAASR building, with a particular focus on NAASR’s Mardigian Library, and gave a short presentation to a group of NAASR Board Members, supporters and dedicated volunteers, and colleagues from sister organizations such as the Armenian Museum of America and Armenian Cultural Foundation.

NAASR Mardigian Library Director Ani Babaian with National Library of Armenia Director Dr. Anna Chulyan, with NAASR Board Members, supporters, volunteers, and colleagues.

Dr. Chulyan’s visit built on earlier professional exchanges and discussions with NAASR’s Library Director, Ani Babaian, and Academic Director, Marc A. Mamigonian. Her visit to NAASR strengthened these ties, which were formally affirmed through the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the NLA and NAASR. This agreement confirms the commitment of both institutions to expand cooperation, exchange bibliographic resources, share professional experience, and develop joint projects.

Dr. Anna Chulyan and NAASR Academic Director Marc A. Mamigonian

The program began with a reception, during which guests had the opportunity to meet and speak with the Director. This was followed by Dr. Chulyan’s illustrated presentation introducing the work, mission, and current initiatives of the NLA.

During her talk, the NLA Director noted that NAASR’s Mardigian Library is the first diasporan library whose resources are included in the NLA’s online catalogue, which marks an important step in strengthening connections between libraries in Armenia and the diaspora. In conjunction with NAASR’s Mardigian Library becoming part of WorldCat earlier in 2025, it is also an indication of the increased international importance of the library and its remarkable holdings. The program concluded with a Q&A session.

For more information about NAASR and its Mardigian Library, please visit www.naasr.org.