The People’s Bookshelf is a curated installation in the atrium of the National Library of Latvia housing nearly 8,000 donated books in about 50 languages. Conceived as a community-built feature and highlighted during Riga’s 2014 Chain of Book Lovers, it preserves individual memories: each donated volume must include a handwritten dedication or personal story on the title page, turning ordinary books into artifacts of everyday history that cannot be captured in standard reference works. The shelf functions as both a symbolic design element of the Castle of Light and a living archive of voices from residents and visitors to Latvia.
Participation is straightforward: choose one special book, write your message on the title page, complete a donation form, and deliver or mail the book to the National Library of Latvia (Mūkusala iela 3, Rīga, LV-1423). Only one book per donor is accepted; age or condition doesn’t matter, and if the title page already bears a note, donors may use the next free page. Donors receive an acknowledgment, and the collection is searchable and orderable via the online catalogue. Questions can be directed to [email protected] or +371 67 716235.
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