The National Library of Latvia adopted a historic manifesto entitled “The Right to Read. The Riga Manifesto” and began signing it

Riga’s “Right to Read” manifesto underlines the importance and potential of reading and critical thinking in the face of the digital world and informational threats. The manifesto and national reading strategy have emerged at the initiative of the National Library of Latvia (NLL), involving a team of interdisciplinary experts and members of the public. At the heart of this is the idea that reading is a fundamental right that should be ensured equally – regardless of income, education, health, or location – especially emphasizing the right to read in Latvian.

Will Latvia’s future be in the hands of a socially and critically minded society? It will be dictated by our choices and actions today.

It has already been reported that Riga’s manifesto was adopted at a symposium during the Riga Book Festival on October 24. The symposium “The Right to Read. The Riga Manifesto”, part of the NLL event series “500 Years of Latvian Books”, brought together prominent figures of society, emphasizing the need for action and the importance of quality reading as a prerequisite for the existence and sustainability of the nation.

The International Symposium examined the causal links between reading and statehood, security, critical thinking, digital technology, and artificial intelligence. Topics included why it is important to engage everyone in reading, how and why to promote reading in families in Latvia and the diaspora, and how reading in the workplace can foster innovation and improve team conditions. The symposium was addressed by Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce, Minister of Education and Science Dace Melbārde, and Mayor of Riga Viesturs Kleinbergs.

Senator of the Civil Affairs Department of the Supreme Court and Professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Latvia, Sanita Osipova, emphasized reading ability as one of the prerequisites for establishing Latvians as a literate and informed society. Zanda Rubene, a Professor at the University of Latvia and a researcher in digital childhood, discussed reading in the digital age, focusing on digital literacy and the value of linear, slow, and deep reading.

Natālija Čerņecka, Director of the National Artificial Intelligence Centre, spoke about how books, with their long history, help us understand the emergence and use of artificial intelligence. Nellija Ločmele, editor-in-chief of the journal “Ir”, emphasized why reading and critical thinking are closely intertwined. Baiba Īvāne, Senior Librarian of the Salaspils Regional Library, member of the Library Association of Latvia and the Association of Latvian Storytellers, highlighted the power of libraries to strengthen communities, inviting attendees to reflect on whether libraries are places that provide security and shelter through reading experiences, and whether reading is an act of intellectual freedom or manipulation.

The author and founder of the #LaiksLasīt movement, Adult Reading Club activist, and mental health advocate Inga Grencberga shared examples from her experience illustrating why reading and books are important in the corporate environment, fostering innovation and promoting employee well-being.

Līga Bērziņa, Head of the Latvian Autism Association, invited reflection on why reading is essential for all members of society. Inga Sindi, creator of the podcast “Vārti” and researcher, explained how to read books in Latvian when the distance from Latvia is measured in thousands of kilometers, and how to overcome obstacles not only in terms of accessibility but also in understanding language and content. Representatives of the Križevics family – father Mārtiņš and daughter Helma Elvīra – also addressed the symposium, posing the question: is family reading a punishment or entertainment?

READ MANIFESTO
SIGN MANIFESTO (available only for permanent residents of the Republic of Latvia)

The International Symposium for the future of reading and books took place at the Riga Book Festival, supported by the Municipality of Riga. The symposium was organized by the National Library of Latvia and the Latvian Publishers Association. The event series “500 Years of Latvian Books” is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia and the State Culture Capital Foundation.

Additional information:
Aiva Rozenberga
Representative of the event series “500 Years of Latvian Books”
National Library of Latvia
Aiva.Rozenberga@lnb.lv