International Symposium at the National Library of Latvia to Adopt the Riga Manifesto on Promoting Reading in Society

On October 24, an international symposium titled “The Right to Read: The Riga Manifesto” will take place in the Ziedonis Hall of the National Library of Latvia (NLL) as part of the cycle of events titled “500 Years of Latvian Books”. The symposium will conclude with the adoption of a historic manifesto on promoting reading in society. The Riga Manifesto will serve as a foundation and starting point for joint action by the state and society, aiming to create a national reading strategy spearheaded by the National Library of Latvia.

The symposium will be an important international forum dedicated to highlighting the vital role of reading and books in ensuring Latvia’s democratic, free, and secure future. Participants will include representatives from diverse communities, policymakers, and experts from Latvia and abroad—ranging from established authorities to individuals who may not be widely known but can inspire through their personal experience and unique perspectives on reading.

Among the international speakers sharing their expertise will be Dr. André Schüller-Zwierlein, Director of the University Library of Regensburg and one of the authors of the Ljubljana Manifesto (Germany); Luis González Martín, Executive Director of the GSR Foundation, founder of the PARIX School of Publishing, and organizer of the international Readmagine week dedicated to digital innovation in reading, books, and libraries (Spain); and Elaina Ryan, Executive Director of Children’s Books Ireland and advocate for reading and children’s literature (Ireland).

Local perspectives on the importance and promotion of reading will be shared by Sanita Osipova, Senator of the Civil Cases Department of the Supreme Court and Professor at the University of Latvia Faculty of Law; Zanda Rubene, Professor at the University of Latvia and digital childhood researcher; Natālija Čerņecka, Director of the Artificial Intelligence Centre; Nellija Ločmele, Editor-in-Chief of the magazine Ir; Baiba Īvāne, Chief Librarian of the Salaspils Regional Library; Līga Bērziņa, Chair of the Latvian Autism Association; Inga Grencberga, activist of the Laiks lasīt movement and adult reading clubs; Inga Sindi, podcast Vārti creator and researcher; and members of the Križevics family of active readers—father Mārtiņš and daughter Helma Elvīra.

The intended outcome of the symposium is the Riga Manifesto, which will emphasise the importance and potential of reading in the digital age and in the face of informational threats. The manifesto and also the national reading strategy are being developed on the initiative of the NLL, involving an interdisciplinary team of experts and community representatives. At its core is the idea that reading is a fundamental right that must be equally guaranteed to everyone—regardless of income, education, health, or location—highlighting in particular the right to read in the Latvian language. The manifesto may be signed by individuals, institutions, or associations.

Participation in the symposium is free of charge. Registration is available at: https://reg2.lnb.lv/register

Programme

The international symposium on the future of reading and books will take place as part of the Riga Book Festival, supported by the Riga City Council. It is organised by the National Library of Latvia and the Latvian Publishers Association. The “500 Years of Latvian Books” series of events is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia and the State Culture Capital Foundation.

Additional Information:

Aiva Rozenberga

Representative of the “500 Years of Latvian Books” series of events

National Library of Latvia

Email: Aiva.Rozenberga@lnb.lv

Phone: +371 29462451