The cultural policy of a state is a multifaceted phenomenon that in the modern world represents a synthesis of not only traditional culture, but also is closely associated with the concepts of “social policy” and “foreign policy”, reflecting a sense of national identity and patriotism. In the modern world, due to foreign policy events and the emphasis on religious and social aspects of society, the formation of national identity, in which the cultural policy of the state plays a crucial role, is receiving significant attention. This article explores the role of publishing activities in shaping the cultural policy of the Russian Federation. It is noted that the formation of national identity and the state's cultural policy are based on a number of legal acts and cultural traditions of Russian society, and they become a reflection of the Russian cultural code. The book repertoire published by leading publishing houses in St. Petersburg is analyzed.