What would you say about your favorite literary work if you had just five minutes? The Book Presentation Contest, organized by Lithuanian libraries for the 31st time, invites you to share your thoughts on a book you’ve read in a short video and win prizes.
What matters most is the idea, not the filmmaker’s experience
This year, participants’ creative works will be evaluated and selected by professionals from three fields: TV host, comedian, and translator Paulius Ambrazevičius; children’s and young adult book author Ignė Zarambaitė; and director Eglė Vertelytė.
Videos can be created individually or in teams of up to five people, and anyone can participate, regardless of age.
P. Ambrazevičius, who has been on the committee for six years, points out that complex technical solutions are not necessary for a good book presentation. When evaluating short videos, he also looks for a connection to the work itself.
“I’m always looking for an original take on the book, a different perspective, and more interesting forms of expression. But there’s another extreme—sincerity. If I see even just a person standing in front of the camera who presents the book with passion and love—I’m already won over,” P. Ambrazevičius confides.
According to the jury member, the contest stands out because it turns the reading experience into a shared activity. In his view, a short film created together with friends or family can encourage you to take a fresh look at a book you’ve read, reflect on it a bit, and share what you’ve learned. And the creative process within a team can become just as meaningful as the final result.
There are many ways to tell a book’s story
The video format is nothing new in this contest—for several seasons now, it has given participants the opportunity to bring their thoughts on a book they’ve read to the screen. Everyone can choose the form of expression that resonates most with them: create a short story, act out a specific scene from the book they’ve read, or come up with an unexpected advertisement for the book.
When evaluating the entries, the jury will be looking not only for technically polished videos but also for a unique perspective. P. Ambrazevičius has no doubt that they will have to choose from a wide variety of creative works.
“I really hope to see originality and independent work. And I’m hopeful—though I’m convinced there will be plenty to choose from when selecting the winners,” the jury member shares his thoughts on the upcoming evaluation.
Prizes – for a Variety of Creative Ideas
The main prizes will go to four winners—the two best individual presentations and the two best team presentations will be selected. Individual winners will receive e-readers and “Knygos.lt” gift cards, while teams will be awarded tickets to “Comic Con Baltics,” “BrainGames,” and “Knygos.lt” gift cards. But that’s not all: participants can also look forward to additional nominations and pleasant surprises. You can also compete for these prizes on the “Book Presentation Contest” Facebook page.
The contest will take place from September 7 to November 29, 2026. The results will be announced on December 18.
Organizer: Association of County Public Libraries.
Partners: Association of Lithuanian Municipal Public Libraries.
Sponsors: “Brain Games LT,” “Lapas,” “Baltos lankos,” “Alma littera,” “Knygos.lt.”
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KPKonkursas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knygospristatymokonkursas
The contest is funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania.
