Human Libraries Commemorate Freedom Fighters

On January 13, 2024, the cultural centers of Merkine and Varena became hubs of historical reflection and intergenerational dialogue as they hosted Human Libraries. This significant day marks the Remembrance Day for Freedom Fighters, an event deeply ingrained in the collective memory of Lithuania.

Organized entirely by young people, these Human Libraries provided a platform for individuals to share their personal stories and memories from the horrific night of January 1991, when the Soviet Union attempted to quash Lithuania’s freedom movement. Participants, referred to as “books,” recounted their experiences from that harrowing night at the capital’s TV tower, where Soviet tanks confronted determined Lithuanians. Fourteen brave souls lost their lives that night, but their sacrifice paved the way for Lithuania's eventual independence.

The young organizers, born well after these events, were eager to learn about this chapter in their nation's history directly from those who lived it. The Human Libraries fostered a powerful sense of unity and community, bridging the gap between generations and ensuring that the stories of courage and resilience continue to be told.

Both events, held in different parts of the region on the same day, highlighted the dedication and initiative of the youth. Fully prepared and facilitated by these young individuals, the events captured the importance of remembering and honoring the past to understand and appreciate the freedoms enjoyed today.