An overview of libraries in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.) is presented, beginning with an analysis of the role played by Lenin in shaping the development of the library system in that country. There follows a historical survey of libraries in the Soviet Union, with an emphasis on the period from 1955 to 1975. Certain aspects of librarianship unique to the U.S.S.R., including the All-Union Book Chamber, the distribution centers, and efforts at centralized classification are reviewed. The last section examines the state libraries of the U.S.S.R. Appendixes include: the number of libraries in each of the republics, and the volume counts in 1913 and 1970; a list of U.S.S.R. national libraries; a list of questions asked by Lenin about library operations; and a bibliography. (Author/LS)