V. I.

Lenin

183

To:   V. A. KARPINSKY

Dear K., Please let us know what you have decided to do with the
library. [1] Is it true that the talks with the students’ society are
not yet over?

Or is it true that you have finally decided not to go?

Was it Victor who dissuaded you? I am a little angry with him for going
away alone, depriving us here of the assistance of a most useful
administrator, which I consider him to be. He is now “for Geneva”. I
believe this is a mistake: we shall not go to Geneva.

Do you have a catalogue of the Bolshevik (Bonch)
library? [2] If so, kindly send it to us.

I am awaiting more definite news about your moving. There is talk here in
the Editorial Board about transfer ring only the Bonch library. We must
know definitely , and as soon as possible.

Regards to Olga, Nik. Iv. and other friends.

All the best, Yours, Lenin

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Notes:
[1]
A reference to the transfer from Geneva to Paris of the Russian
Proletarian Library collected by the Social-Democrat G. A. Kuklin, who
sided with the Bolsheviks in 1905, and presented by him to the C.C.,
R.S.D.L.P., in July 1905. A Statement by Kuklin announcing that the library
was now the full property of the C.C., R.S.D.L.P., was published in
Proletary No. 7, July 10 (June 27), 1905.

In his reply of October 18, 1909, V. A. Karpinsky, who was in charge of
the library, agreed to the transfer to Paris on condition that the library remained independent and would not function under the
auspices of the Editorial Board of the Central Organ, Sotsial-Demokrat , but would merge with one of the existing
libraries in Paris.

[2]
A reference to a Bolshevik library organised by
V. D. Bonch-Bruyevich. In July 1905 Lenin presented it with over 400 titles
from his own personal library.