On October 26–29, Ramunė Balčikonienė and Justina Mieldažytė from the Lithuanian Audiosensory Library (LAB) attended an international partner meeting in Tallinn. The visit focused primarily on services for seniors, the integration of non-native residents, and overall library accessibility.
The colleagues visited the Südalinna, Liivalaia, Pelguranna, and Kännukuke libraries, toured the Estonian National Library building currently undergoing its final stages of renovation, and learned about the activities of the Estonian Library for the Blind. The meetings also addressed service planning topics, including accessibility assessments (Tallinn libraries recently conducted a comprehensive accessibility audit!) and studies on the needs of both library visitors and non-users.
Stories Created Together with Readers
Tallinn Central Library now officially presents itself as Tallinn Libraries. According to colleagues in Estonia, the previous name was associated by part of the population only with the main central building. The new name clearly signals that every branch is an integral part of the Tallinn Libraries network, meaning readers can visit any branch and return borrowed books wherever it is most convenient for them.
The identity of Tallinn Libraries and its core message left a deep impression: “Libraries are where our stories meet.” The visual identity resembles a graph of four intersecting lines of different colors that form a unified ribbon. Each of the twenty Tallinn libraries has its own distinct section of this ribbon—unique, yet visually connected to the rest.
“Happy Senior” – From Handicrafts to Language Cafés
“Happy Senior” represents the activities of Tallinn Libraries dedicated to older adults. These include morning conversation groups, literary memory clubs, music gatherings, handicraft workshops, and travel story nights where participants share their own photos and experiences. These activities attract not only seniors but also younger generations, fostering intergenerational meetings, discussions, and games.
Literary sessions take place both inside the libraries and at local senior day care centers. In collaboration with social care institutions, press reviews and remote reading sessions are regularly organized. For Tallinn residents with limited mobility, a home delivery service provides direct access to books, magazines, movies, and music recordings.
“Smart Senior” – Digital Skills Are More Important Than Ever
The “Smart Senior” program focuses on enhancing the digital skills of older adults. This is particularly crucial in Estonia, where virtually all public services are delivered exclusively through digital platforms. Librarians provide one-on-one consultations on using computers, smart devices, and online services, as well as conducting group training sessions. Topics covered include artificial intelligence, its opportunities, and potential risks.
Seniors are also encouraged to volunteer within Tallinn Libraries. Senior volunteers help others learn Estonian, host book clubs, lead handicraft afternoons, or organize other community activities.
Engaging Non-Native Readers and Fostering Estonian Culture
Around one-third of Tallinn’s population consists of ethnic Russians, and certain districts, such as Lasnamäe, are predominantly Russian-speaking. Jaanika Tappo, head of the Liivalaia branch of Tallinn Libraries located in this area, presented how bridges are built between different language and cultural communities. Language cafés are organized for adults and seniors to help them practice everyday Estonian.
Additionally, meet-the-author events featuring popular Estonian writers are held using easy-to-understand Estonian, encouraging non-native speakers to participate in discussions. This branch also hosts national culture evenings highlighting customs from various ethnicities, including Estonian: “Some residents have lived in Estonia for more than fifty years, yet do not necessarily know the country that cares for them,” shared Jaanika Tappo.
For children, the library offers weekly activities supporting Estonian language learning, a “Reading Buddies” project, and summer programs. Library lessons utilize Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), where language is acquired through exploring specific topics, completing hands-on tasks, or playing board games.
The Library as a Space for Fostering Democracy
In Estonia, libraries play a vital role in strengthening dialogue and democracy. Tallinn Libraries host discussion groups on relevant social issues, covering topics such as the experiences of newcomers to Tallinn, as well as the mental well-being and daily challenges of older adults.
As noted by our colleagues, different generations may view the same social challenges through completely different lenses. Moderated conversations provide an opportunity to hear perspectives that people might not encounter in their usual environments, helping them learn to discuss complex issues respectfully and gain a better understanding of others. In the words of Liivalaia branch head Jaanika Tappo: “Through these discussions, people learn how to disagree better.”
Open discussions also help develop media and information literacy. Library staff can assist individuals in identifying reliable information and offer a safe space to discuss it with other community members.
Services of the Estonian Library for the Blind
During the visit, LAB representatives met with Piret Põllu from the Estonian Library for the Blind. Since 2023, this library has become part of the National Library of Estonia. Piret shared insights into how accessible publication services are being integrated into the national library system and how they are preparing to relocate to renovated premises.
The Estonian Library for the Blind produces accessible materials in-house. Based on 2025 data, the library produced 192 new audiobooks and typically publishes around 20 Braille books per year.
Services are provided not only to individuals with visual impairments but also to people with other reading disabilities. While readers actively use the digital library “Veebiraamatukogu”, books are still regularly delivered by mail on CDs. LAB representatives invited their Estonian colleagues to visit LAB in Lithuania, hoping to share their own experience, particularly in developing digital services.
Accessibility in the Renovated National Library
The official reopening of the renovated National Library of Estonia building is scheduled for May 2027. While touring the space, LAB representatives paid close attention to accessibility, discussing solutions with local staff that will enable visitors to use the library independently, as well as areas where further improvements could be made.
Justina and Ramunė returned from Tallinn not only with fresh ideas, but also with a firm conviction that libraries can do a great deal to nurture democracy and mutual understanding. “This is where people of different languages, ages, and backgrounds meet—people who might not otherwise have a chance to talk to one another. The opportunity to be heard, to listen to someone else, and to discover common ground builds mutual trust,” stated Ramunė.
We extend our gratitude to our Tallinn colleagues for their openness and their daily work in creating libraries where such meaningful encounters have a home.
The international partner meeting in Tallinn was funded by the “Nordplus Adult” program.
