The origins and characteristics of the rare book collection of L. Tolstoy Scientific Library are discussed. The focus is made of the unique publications in the local history of the late 19-th – eary 20-th century. The publications cover the history of the region and comprising vast document array. Several publications are described in detail, e. g. «Migrant small-holders in Turgay Oblast», «Essays in the Natural History of the 1- st and 2-тв Maurzum volost of Turgay Oblast», statistical reports, land management instructions, «The Proceedings of Kustanay Society of Local Lore and History», etc. The problem of the collection preservation and digitization is discussed.
