Limbaži Main Library Marks 140th Anniversary

The Limbaži Municipality Main Library (LNGB) in Latvia marked its 140th anniversary on 17 October. The celebration brought together guests, included a look back at the library's past, and featured a festive cake. The library traces its origins to 1886, when it was founded on the basis of books donated by Kārlis Baumanis, the author of the Latvian national anthem.

Programme

The event was hosted by Ansis Klintsons. Musical breaks were provided by him together with the Auseklis Limbaži Theatre. Jokes and entertainment were handled by the ILze puppet theatre and local historian Irīna Noriņa.

A historic treasure

The library began in 1886, when the Limbaži Social Society library was established following a suggestion by Baumanis. Its foundation was made up of his donated books, 300 in total. Only one of them has survived to the present day, and library director Elīna Lilenblate-Kleina brought it to the celebration.

She said it is very interesting to pick up this single book and realise that Baumanis once held it in his hands. The book used to be freely accessible, but several years ago a theft of a valuable book took place at the National Library. For that reason, the library decided to treat this volume as a special asset and keep it in a safe. Interested visitors can still view it.

Staff

The library's current employees made sure the event ran smoothly. They also received words of thanks.