18 November 2025

Presentation of the poster exhibition “From the First Book to the Castle of Light”

On November 24 at 16:00 we invite you to the opening of the poster exhibition “From the First Book to the Castle of Light”, dedicated to the 500th anniversary of Latvian book publishing, at the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania. The presentation will be attended by Solveiga Silkalna, Latvian Ambassador to Lithuania, and Aiva Rozenberga, creator of the exhibition.

The first printed Latvian book celebrates its 500th anniversary this year! In 1525, the first printed works in Latvian and Estonian – Lutheran texts intended for Livonia – were sent to Riga. However, the shipment never reached Riga because it was seized in Lübeck by the city authorities, who supported the Catholics. Nevertheless, archive data suggests that several copies may have survived – the detective story of the first Latvian book continues.

It is important to note that Vilnius also played a significant role in the history of Latvian books. In 1585, a translation of the Catholic catechism by Jesuit Petrus Canisius into Latvian was published in Vilnius – the oldest surviving Latvian printed text to this day. This year, we are also celebrating the 440th anniversary of this significant event.

From November 19 to November 27, we invite you to visit the poster exhibition “From the First Book to the Castle of Light”, which has travelled to Vilnius from the National Library of Latvia.

The exhibition reveals the story of the first Latvian book, seeks cultural and historical parallels between Latvian, European, and global book publishing processes, and presents personalities who had a significant influence on the Latvian language, national consciousness, and national identity.

The exhibition texts are in English. The exhibition is on display in the atrium on the third floor of the National Library of Lithuania.

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The exhibition is organized by the Embassy of Latvia in Lithuania and the National Library of Latvia.

Exhibition creators

Text: Aiva Rozenberga

Design: Dārta Hofmane

Illustrations: Ella Mežule, Laura Lukēviča

Timeline: Maija Treile

National Library of Latvia, 2025

Briefly about the exhibition

Date

24 November

Time

16:00

Place

3rd floor atrium

Attendance

free

Important

the event will be held in English

More information

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Organisers

Embassy of Latvia in Lithuania
National Library of Latvia