The Leo Tolstoy express from Moscow to Helsinki now has a library

"Leo Tolstoy" train to Helsinki stays on the platform of Leningradsky station in Moscow.

"Leo Tolstoy" train to Helsinki stays on the platform of Leningradsky station in Moscow.

Iliya Pitalev/RIA Novosti
'Travel with a Book' is free for rail travelers between the two capitals.

From Feb. 5 to April 5 the Leo Tolstoy train express that runs from Moscow to Helsinki will have a public library for passengers to enjoy. Books by Russian and Finnish authors, translated into both Russian and Finnish, will be available during the journey.

Ask the train staff for a book. Source: Kirill Zykov / Moskva AgencyAsk the train staff for a book. Source: Kirill Zykov / Moskva Agency

The first library train departed Helsinki on Feb. 5, and to request a book one only needs to ask the train staff. Until April 5 there is a photo contest - take your picture holding a book and post it on Instagram with the hashtag #finruslitonboard. The winner gets a book!

First literary train Leo Tolstoy arrived in Moscow. Source: Kirill Zykov / Moskva AgencyFirst literary train Leo Tolstoy arrived in Moscow. Source: Kirill Zykov / Moskva Agency

The library and contest are part of the Russo-Finnish project, "Travel with a Book," organized by Russia's JSC Federal Passengers Company (a subsidiary of JSC Russian Railways), and the Embassy of Finland in Moscow.

RBTH has already reported on mobile libraries available in Moscow railway stations. To download a book one can simply scan the QR-code. 

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