Latvian Community Libraries Adapting to Generational Changes

• In Event: Generational Changes Affecting Latvian Memory Institutions

Abstract

Latvian communities have maintained libraries since the first wave of immigration in the late 19th century. The Latvian immigrants after WW II created libraries in every community center and church basement – some more organized and used than others. Since the reestablishment of independence in Latvia, many stayed stagnant with few additions to the well-known pre-1990 exile publications. Smaller communities liquidated their collections; many participated in sending books to Latvia’s libraries. U.S. research institutions continue to collect and preserve research collections of Latvian materials. Should the Latvian community have its own research library, as the Estonians and Lithuanians have done? Most community libraries should be like public libraries – weeding out much the old and unread, providing their community with the popular fiction and non-fiction with some reference sources on topics of interest and providing readers with a user-friendly space. This presentation will look at how some Latvian community libraries have tackled the changing demographics and expectations.

Author

• Maira Bundza, Western Michigan University