You are invited to visit the book exhibition “The Lithuanian Word in the Hands of the Book Smugglers”, displayed on the third floor of the library. The exhibition is dedicated to Book Smugglers’ Day and to Jurgis Bielinis, the most famous Lithuanian book smuggler. It presents books and publications that reveal the activities of the book smugglers, the period of the press ban, and the importance of preserving the Lithuanian language in the history of Lithuania.
On March 16, Lithuania commemorates Book Smugglers’ Day, honoring the people who distributed Lithuanian books and newspapers during the period of the press ban and helped preserve the Lithuanian word. Risking their freedom and safety, book smugglers transported banned publications from Lithuania Minor and distributed them throughout the country, thus contributing to the preservation of the Lithuanian language, culture, and national identity.