Description: Vilnius County Adomas Mickevičius Public Library is located in the very heart of the capital, in the historic Sofija and Juozapas Tiškevičiai Palace. The building itself has a rich past dating back to the late 16th century, with ownership changing hands between Franciscans, the Zenkovičiai family, and later the Tiškevičiai family. The library was founded in 1950 and since then has become a much-loved cultural space for both residents and visitors of Vilnius. Today its collections number nearly half a million items, ranging from books, periodicals, sheet music, films, maps, and works of fiction in Lithuanian, English, Russian, Polish, German, French, and other languages. Each year, the library welcomes over 200,000 visitors who borrow nearly 400,000 items. In 1955, to mark the centenary of Romantic poet Adomas Mickevičius’s (Adam Mickiewicz) death, the library was named in his honor. Its special Mickevičiana collection preserves his legacy, consisting of more than 1,000 publications — his works in several languages, as well as memoirs, biographies, literary criticism, and a collection of artworks inspired by his life and creativity.

Mission, Vision, and Values

The library’s motto is “Give the meaning to your discoveries.” • Mission: To nurture a reading, creative, and culturally rich region. • Vision: By 2035, to become the most appreciated regional library in Lithuania. • Values: Community and civic-mindedness, modern and sustainable ideas, freedom of expression, and lifelong learning.

Highlights and Activities

Over the decades, the library has grown into a dynamic cultural and educational hub. Alongside traditional literary and cultural events that honor Adomas Mickevičius, it also organizes programs for children, youth, and adults that promote reading, creativity, and local culture. Specialized reading rooms provide access to Austrian and Swiss literature, while regional programs support professional development for librarians across Vilnius and Alytus counties. Exhibitions, training courses, and public events make the library a space where heritage meets innovation.

Sustainability and Erasmus+

Since 2022, the library has followed a Sustainability Declaration, setting both internal and external commitments to environmental responsibility. Initiatives such as seasonal reuse campaigns, “Sustainability Afternoons,” and staff training sessions help foster awareness and good practices among visitors and employees. On February 1, 2024, the library received Erasmus+ accreditation, ensuring a long-term strategy for international mobility and staff development. This allows librarians from the Vilnius region to strengthen their professional and educational skills while learning from colleagues abroad. Recent mobility projects have taken place in:

• Poland (December 2024)
• Germany (April 2025)
• Slovenia (May 2025)