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We invite you to take part in the events and campaigns of the "500 Years of Latvian Books" event series – leave your mark for future generations and create unforgettable memories for yourself, your family and your friends!
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Donate your special book to the People's Bookshelf of the NLL – the only bookshelf in the world with its own website!
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Donate your special book to the People's Bookshelf of the NLL – the only bookshelf in the world with its own website!
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Exhibition of self-printed posters – a captivating story about 500 Years of Books in Latvian for different generations in Latvian and English. The posters can be viewed in the e-environment, printed as A4 worksheets for students or work teams, displayed in large print at summer camps, events, etc.

​Download:

https://ej.uz/PlakatiGramatai500

Take this exhibition of self-printed posters in English with you – whether for Erasmus projects, while studying abroad, or to share with friends overseas. Through a light and witty blend of Latvian literature and other cultures, these posters invite the world to discover Latvia.

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Watch short video stories about important historical aspects of "500 Years of Latvian Books"!

Watch 11 short, thematic and informational videos that explore key historical aspects of the "500 Years of Latvian Books" event series and highlight the significance of Latvian books and publishing today.

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An easy to understand presentation on 500 Years of Books in Latvian can be downloaded here:

The first printed book and the first Latvian dictionary, the first publishing house and the first encyclopaedia – find out about some of significant events in the development of Latvian publishing over five centuries.

We are calling for donation of rare copies of books to the National Library of Latvia!

We are glad that the Cultural Branch of the American Latvian Association (ALA) has announced its campaign to celebrate "500 Years of Latvian Books"! You can take part in the campaign by searching your bookshelves and sending Latvian books published in exile to Latvia – especially those missing from or not yet held by the National Library of Latvia. The books will be donated to the library and will remain in its possession in perpetuity. The lists of books can be found in the email attachment and in the Google folders link. Please send only the books included in the attached lists. If you have any questions, please contact Valda Grinberga, ALA Head of Culture: culture@alausa.org.

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Purchase or donate academic research papers on the "500 Years of Latvian Books"!

For several years, researchers at the National Library of Latvia have conducted unique scientific studies and published both academic and popular science books on topics related to the 500th anniversary of Latvian book publishing. These books uncover new facts about the history of Latvia’s book industry, shedding light on events and personalities – both well-known and previously forgotten or undiscovered. We would be delighted if one of them could make its way onto your bookshelf or as a gift. Books can be purchased at: https://eveikals.lnb.lv/books/

On a cold, dark November 8, 1525, the first Latvian book was sentenced to “death” and condemned to burn in the flames of a bonfire. Yes, dear reader, this happened nearly 500 years ago, when Johannes Brandes recorded the day’s events as he usually did before bedtime. On that fateful date, the Lübeck council had either intercepted secret information or the merchants at the Port of Lübeck appeared suspiciously smug when revealing their cargo. And so it happened – hidden barrels were discovered containing the first printed books in Latvian, Estonian, and Low German.“Attention, attention – the books were officially arrested,” wrote Brandes. A court session was held, as the books contained material that alarmed the Catholic Church – the description of a Lutheran worship service, and even more shocking – the text was in the languages of the peoples of Livonia! The sentence was definitive – burn them! (Although with the comment that one copy should be kept in the archives as evidence.) Twenty generations of readers later, the story isn’t over yet – one copy of the book might still be out there in the world.

Watch a short animation about what happened to the first book in the Latvian language!

Treat yourself and your family and friends to a walk through Riga’s parks, where you can discover reflections from Latvian authors engraved on select benches.

The seeds of thought can be found in Uzvaras Park, Sakura Garden, Arkādijas Park, Māra Pond, Dzegužkalns, Nordeķi Park, the Bolderāja Bike Path, Ķengarags Promenade, Strēlnieku Square, Bastejkalns, Freedom Square, Opera House Square, by University of Latvia, by the Riga Dome Cathedral, in Vērmanes Park, Esplanāde, Viestura Garden, Independence Square, Ziedoņdārzs, and by the Mežaparks Open-Air Stage.

The National Library of Latvia has implemented this idea in cooperation with SIA Rīgas meži and we thank them for their support.

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Read at least one book a month in Latvian – and challenge your friends to share their impressions, either in person or on social media. Make a list of your favourite books or quotes, design a quotation game featuring your favourite authors, or set up a quote exchange corner for events and family gatherings – be creative and enjoy the endless possibilities of language and the written word!

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gramatai500@lnb.lv, Phone: 67716235

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National Library of Latvia​Mūkusalas iela 3

Rīga, LV-1423

© 2022 Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka

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