Aizstrautnieki: Library History and Culture

Aizstrautnieki combines library history with creative and community-focused cultural activities. These include a creative workshop, an exhibition, a card game tournament, and a communal festive table. The themes range from Jumis, a household symbol of blessing and prosperity, to 3D-printed objects. History, design, and shared occasions offer several distinct cultural perspectives on the place. The examples differ both in their historical connections and in whether they focus on design, exhibition, or participation.

Library History in Two Historical Contexts

The first library in the Aizstrautnieki area was established in 1839 at Bērzbeķe Primary School. On October 1, 1970, the Aizstrautnieki Library was founded as the second library in the village of Dobele. The dates refer to different geographical contexts: 1839 marks the first library in the Aizstrautnieki area, while 1970 marks the founding of the Aizstrautnieki Library as the second library in the village of Dobele. This makes the library’s history visible on two levels—as an early institution in the area and as a later institutional foundation in the village. Both historical milestones long predate the later workshops and events.

Jumis: A Symbol to Create

In 2023, the Aizstrautnieki Library held a creative workshop where participants could make Jumis. Jumis is a household symbol of blessing and prosperity. The format combined the symbol’s meaning with hands-on creativity: unlike at an exhibition, participants could make a Jumis themselves. If you are interested in cultural symbols, this offers a way to explore the topic through a practical activity rather than just an explanation.

From Creative Workshop to 3D Exhibition

The “Strazdi 3D PRINT” exhibition offered a different creative focus. It featured toys, sensory objects, flowerpots, and vases made using 3D printing technology. The objects shared a production method, while the exhibition brought together different types of items. Compared with the Jumis workshop, the focus shifts: participants could make a cultural symbol there, while here a variety of printed objects were displayed. Creating something yourself and viewing 3D-printed objects thus represent distinct creative perspectives.

Card Game and Communal Festive Table

Community events add to the creative themes. In 2026, the Aizstrautnieki Library hosted a “CŪKA” card game tournament, inviting card game enthusiasts to take part. A different kind of event was the 2025 celebration of Latvia’s birthday: the library invited participants to contribute their own savory or sweet dishes to create a shared, abundant, and cozy table. The events differed in their focus: the CŪKA tournament centered on a particular card game, while the celebration centered on the table created together and the participants’ contributions. Savory and sweet dishes offered different ways to help set the table.

Discover more destinations: Dobele, Auri, Prinči, Biksti, Zebras Muiža.

For the broader travel overview: Dobeles Novads.