 |
Lithuanian
|
|
Lithuanian
|
| Lithuanian Librarians’ Association (LLA)
announces the fourth National Library Week April 23–30, 2004 and invites all libraries
and librarians to join the campaign. A key message of the National Library Week 2004 stresses the role of a library as a bridge between the tradition and modernity. Libraries play a crucial role in communication, preservation and creative renewal of the cultural heritage and community memory. The year 2004 is proclaimed by the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania the Year of Language and Book to commemorate 100 years‘ anniversary of the lift of the ban on Lithuanian press. In 1864, the Czarist authorities introduced in Lithuania a ban on printing, publication and dissemination of the books in Latin characters: Lithuanians were allowed to print and read only in Cyrillic script. Lithuanian schools and libraries were prohibited too. The ban lasted for 40 years and was taken away because of the tough national resistance. Lithuanian books in Latin characters were printed abroad and smuggled into the country illegally and disseminated under great risk. Today, reflecting on the historical meaning of the past, we realize that books and libraries were banned a century ago because they were seen as powerful, influential and thus – dangerous for the ruling circles. Are libraries seen as much powerful today? Aren‘t the budget cuts the signs of the fact that politicians see libraries as not important for contemporary society? Do we, library and information professionals, convey the „library message“ strongly and convincingly enough to the world around us to hear and take i t? Strategic issues of library development in a knowledge-based society will be the main topic of the Library Congress in Druskininkai, April 22-23, with a participation of key political figures from the Parliament, Government and different agencies as well as wide representation of the professional community. During the National Library Week, traditionally, the Librarian of the Year will be announced and awarded as well as several more awards will be given to the outstanding professionals by the Ministry of Culture and different sponsors. Together with the colleagues world-wide, we will celebrate the World Book and Copyright Day, on April 23 and World Intellectual Property Day on April 26. As usually, during the whole week many events will take place in different libraries in Lithuania: libraries will have the open doors days, invite community groups, readers and users, writers and publishers for round-table discussions and presentations; organize “love-your-library” days for the readers and even those whose loans are overdue, will be “forgiven”. A big fund-raising campaign Donate 2% of your tax to the library! has already started well in advance of the Library week itself. Last year Lithuanian librarians were successful in lobbying for their wages. This year we aim to raise not only our budgets but also our profiles in the contemporary society. Let’s celebrate the Library week together. Let’s feel each other’s support and solidarity. Together, we are stronger. LLA Board Vilnius, 17 February, 2004 |
  |
Address: Sv. Ignoto 6-108, |
© 1998-2005 |