From June 2 to 11, 10 library professionals from across Lithuania participated in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), an exchange programme funded by the U.S. Department of State. Theme of the visit was “Expanding Access to Library Services”.
The programme, designed by Cultural Vistas – a highly professional non-profit exchange organization – aimed to broaden the participants’ knowledge of U.S. library practices, inclusive services, and innovations. Panevėžys County Gabrielė Petkevičaitė-Bitė Public Library was represented by Irmina Girnienė, Head of the Regional Libraries Strategic Development Department.
This intensive traineeship provided a unique opportunity to explore success stories of U.S. libraries, NGOs, and communities. The participants engaged in meetings with representatives from libraries, universities, associations, and municipalities of Washington, D.C., Denver, Colorado and Kalamazoo, Michigan, as well as held discussions on the role libraries have in modern communities.
Programme in Washington
The nine-day visit began in Washington, D.C. Librarians attended a lecture by Steven Billet, Ph.D. of the University of Notre Dame, gaining insights into the U.S. government system and federal decision-making processes. Furthermore, they visited the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the federal agency responsible for preserving and providing public access to historically significant government documents, such as the U.S. Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
A stay in Washington, D.C. also featured an exclusive tour of the Library of Congress and a meeting with Robert Randolph Newlen, Interim Director of the Library, followed by a discussion focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence on library operations and the challenges libraries face today.
In their free time, participants enjoyed a guided tour of downtown Washington, D.C., visited historic sites including the Martin Luther King Jr., Lincoln, and World War II Memorials, the White House, and several of the city’s free-entry museums.
Meetings and Discussions in Denver
Lithuanians proceeded to Denver, Colorado, where they met with representatives from libraries and NGOs. These sessions offered valuable insights into the region’s strongest knowledge-sharing institutions, the historical and cultural contributions of African Americans, and the creative efforts of NGOs in promoting reading.
A visit to the Denver Public Library (DPL) affirmed the value public libraries bring to society. DPL operates three library buses, each modified according to its own purpose – school visits, city events, and elderly care facilities.
Moreover, the group explored exhibitions reflecting the lived experiences and cultural contributions of African American families and individuals at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, which houses a library, museum, and archive under is roof.
A particularly inspiring was a visit to BookGive, an NGO that collects and distributes new and gently used books to individuals, schools, and non-profits across Denver. BookGive is run by a small team and many volunteers and operates out of a former gas station transformed into a welcoming community hub. Their mission to promote reading and equal access to learning left a profound impression to Lithuanians.
A visit in Denver concluded with a meeting at Colorado State Library (CSL), which is part of the state’s Department of Education. CSL plays a vital role in developing public, academic, school, and special libraries throughout Colorado.
Kalamazoo Libraries and Communities
The final leg of the programme took place in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where participants visited Western Michigan University, Kent District Library, historic Kalamazoo Vine District, and Kalamazoo Literacy Council.
Western Michigan University library places strong emphasis on accessibility by adapting their services for students with reading disabilities, providing information literacy training, and LibGuides. At the Kent District Library, the team learned about its Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC), which provides free services to patrons who cannot read standard print. The Centre also offers assistive devices and apps that make library services more inclusive. A notable highlight was the mobile library service initiative: a library bus delivers books, fun activities, and brunch kits to underserved children and families throughout the district.
A visit to Kalamazoo Vine District showcased the Little Free Libraries Project, aimed at increasing literacy and fostering social connection by installing free book exchange boxes in under-resourced neighbourhoods.
The programme concluded with a meeting with Kalamazoo Literacy Council (KLC), a non-profit working for over 50 years to promote adult literacy and inclusion. KLC offers a range of educational programmes including adult training, parenting literacy, health and workforce literacy. Their efforts significantly contribute to both personal success and greater community involvement.
Overall, the programme held more than 15 professional meetings covering a wide range of diverse topics, with visits to libraries, archives, cultural institutions, and NGOs. The participants also had a chance to experience American culture through city tours, museum visits, outdoor excursions, sports events, family stays, and group dinners.
The IVLP is managed by Cultural Vistas and funded by the U.S. Department of State in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius. Participation was partially funded by the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania project “Improvement of General, Managerial and Professional Competences in the Cultural Sector”.
