Who was Gabrielė Petkevičaitė-Bitė? A writer, an educator, a teacher, a philanthropist, a cultural and social figure, a feminist, a sister who was like a mother to her younger brothers and her sister, a caregiver for the sick and the vulnerable, a beekeeper, an herbalist. She was a woman who has overcome herself and the difficulties of her time. Her name has graced her modest body, which had a magical universe hidden inside.
Although there are still disputes regarding which date, March 18, 30 or 31 should be considered the actual birthday of the writer, the date does not in any way interfere with the important commemoration. This year the library is celebrating the 160th anniversary of Gabrielė Petkevičaitė-Bitė’s birthday and a single day to celebrate her life and achievements would hardly be enough. Bitė was exceptional, so her birthday celebrations at the library will also be special.
The programme offers a range of activities and events, prepared by the librarians. The library worker, a poet Elvyra Pažemeckaitė has created a special greeting to Gabrielė Petkevičaitė-Bitė in a form of a poem, which portrays the woman as the purifier of the Lithuanian spirit. The library employees have also prepared interactive quizzes, exhibitions, virtual events, and publications. Among the publications is a photo album by a former director of the library, a historian Raimundas Klimavičius, and a book for children by a writer Giedrė Rakauskienė. The library workers are especially glad to welcome visitors at the opening of a new memorial space dedicated to Bitė. In the exposition visitors will find a treasure trove of old prints of the library collections. The exhibition will introduce books, magazines and newspapers published in Lithuania and abroad, dating back to the 18th century. Here the visitors will also see the oldest book stored in the library! A visit to the memorable places near Panevėžys, such as Puziniškis, Rozalimas, Joniškėlis, which were all close to Gabrielė Petkevičaitė-Bitė’s heart and have played an important role in her life will also be visited. The trips will be documented and the video material will be released as a documentary movie. In the winter, the 21st scientific conference on history will be held at the library. This year special attention will be given to none other than one of the most important female historical figures of Lithuania.
Join the celebration and get to know the extraordinary wisdom of Gabrielė Petkevičaitė-Bitė by diving into the undiscovered universe of her personality!
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