Mr Putin began by noting that interest in books and literature in general is rising against all the odds, as can be seen from the fact that Russia is now in fourth place in the world in terms of the number of books published, and from the increase in the number of publishing houses in the country.
Answering a question from one of the participants in the meeting, the President said that the state considers it should support the kind of literature that develops taste, creativity and teaches people to think.
Mr Putin also announced plans to increase subsidies to libraries to help them purchase more books.