It has a great history, and even its antiquated name is a nod to the origins of the Saint Petersburg book trade in books stalls of the Gostiny Dvor (or “Guest Court,” a Russian marketplace). The Soviet Writers’ Congress of 1934 passed a resolution to establish the Writers’ Book Stall here, and visitors might enjoy the Old Soviet or Soviet-style propaganda posters painted on the walls.

This is now a modern, free flowing space holding a selection of Russian and world literature, literary and cultural criticism, cinematography, poetry and many other subjects. It also pays tribute to its historical antecedents of the Russian and Soviet Literary Funds, dedicated to supporting writers with two shelves given over to Saint Petersburg’s local writers. There is also a lithograph printing press in the back where visitors can make their own prints of some of the city’s iconic views.