This year Vilnius University Library marks its 450th anniversary. Rich history of the Library is closely intertwined with the history of Vilnius University, Lithuanian science and culture. The Library has successfully survived many ebbs and flows, wars, fires and plunders; it was cherished by rulers, patrons, and the entire University community.
Four and a half centuries ago, the Jesuits established a house in Vilnius – dedicated to books, students, professors and new ideas. The first hosts of the Library started crafting a long and rich history. Today we are charged with the task to continue this colourful history replete with challenges. However, at present the reality is slightly different – we read books in a virtual environment, attend virtual exhibitions; in the Library we not only try to solve scientific mysteries, but also participate in film screenings, borrow documents with the help of computers and do so many things that would be seenby our ancestors like unrealistic fantasies of the impossible future.
Despite so many changes in us and in the world around us, some things remain the same. We are still striving to preserve and cherish the book; we are pacing the corridors in the footsteps of our predecessors; antique thinkers are observing the premises of the Library from their frescos; astronomical devices in the old observatory are resting after brutal storms of history; and the main inhabitant of our house remains, as ever, the student and the researcher looking for answers to scientific mysteries. As it is with every home, there is no lack of clamour, discussions, efforts to concentrate, and sleepless nights – before the important exams.
We will never know if this is the house the Jesuits, who had built and created it, dreamed about. However, this is a lively home and even more open than ever – day and night, in physical and virtual spaces. This house is full of texts, those who read them, and a belief that the door which was opened 450 years ago for the first time will be opening many times for people thirsty of knowledge.
We kindly invite you to listen to the speech of Director General of VU Library, Irena Krivienė: