Lithuanian speakers in Edinburgh now have a new place to connect with their culture – through books. A Lithuanian-language section was officially opened last weekend at the Leith Library, offering hundreds of titles for readers of all ages.
According to Barbora Gaulytė, a representative of the local Lithuanian community, about 30 people gathered to celebrate the launch of the dedicated space, which is located alongside the Polish and Ukrainian sections.
“The shelf is in a place of honour,” Gaulytė said. “Since the books are included in the main catalogue, they can be borrowed just like any others. It’s also convenient that residents across Edinburgh can request them to be delivered to their local library.”
The collection includes more than 200 books: around 60 for adults, 115 for children, 10 for teens, and 20 non-fiction titles covering topics such as education and parenting. The goal, Gaulytė says, is to cater to the diverse Lithuanian population in Scotland, which includes families, students and seniors.
“We’re especially looking to expand our selection of fiction for adults,” she said. “We’ve shared donation guidelines on our social media, developed in coordination with the Leith Library.”
Community-driven project years in the making
The idea of a Lithuanian section was born from growing interest among community members, particularly after the establishment of the Lithuanian community organisation in Scotland a few years ago. The popularity of a local book club also fuelled the initiative.
With support from the United Kingdom’s Lithuanian community president, Alvija Černiauskaitė, the group connected with Lithuania’s Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, which donated a large number of books. Initially stored in an office, and later in a storage space, the books lacked a permanent home – until now.
Finding a location took time. Community members approached various libraries and community centres in the Leith area, receiving rejections at every turn. Eventually, Gaulytė reached out to local members of Parliament.
“One MP agreed to help. Her office was in one of the local libraries, so she introduced us to someone responsible for library collections,” Gaulytė explained. “We spoke with him at length about our needs and about Lithuanians as a nation of book smugglers. I think our passion made an impression.”
A Space for Culture and Connection
After months of cataloguing and inventory work, Gaulytė and fellow community board members learned only a few weeks ago that the Lithuanian books would find a home at Leith Library.
“When I found out they were finally on the shelves, I got emotional – a mix of joy and disbelief,” she said. “A goal that seemed impossible 18 months ago had finally been reached. My hands were shaking a little.”
Gaulytė says the library, which actively hosts events and community groups, is the perfect location. The Lithuanian community is already discussing the possibility of book club meetings and other small events to further engage readers.
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