For the 25th time, the International Vilnius Book Fair will take place at the Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Center LITEXPO from February 27 to March 2, 2025. Over a quarter-century, the fair has become a cultural hub, attracting tens of thousands of book lovers annually and creating a tradition that unites communities and generations of readers. In anticipation of this milestone event, we interviewed volunteers and long-time fair visitors.
Navigating the Buzz: Vilnius Book Fair Volunteers
In early 2025, the Vilnius Book Fair organizers will launch a volunteer recruitment campaign. Laurynas Petrauskas, the volunteer coordinator, notes that about 70 volunteers participated in the previous fair, but there’s room for many more:
“We invite everyone to apply. To increase your chances, try to commit as much time as possible, ideally several days,” he says. “Volunteers at the fair are extraordinary people, making my job and theirs easier. Their patience, creativity, and willingness to help are truly inspiring.”
Petrauskas emphasizes that the primary task of volunteers is to be visible and enhance the experience for all visitors and participants:
“Without volunteers, the Vilnius Book Fair would lose its vibrancy—not just because of the bright-colored shirts they wear, but because they bring life and order to the fair, preventing chaos,” he adds.
Volunteer Jokūbas Kodoras agrees:
“The key to any job is putting your heart into it. That’s what sets volunteers apart—we’re communicative and ready to help visitors navigate the fair’s lively environment. Without us, there would likely be more chaos, gloomy faces, and confusion. Our support at every Vilnius Book Fair is crucial and invaluable.”
Kukutis Among the Volunteers
The 25th Vilnius Book Fair will greet readers with the slogan “Kukutis Goes to the Fair.” Kukutis, a character created by poet Marcelijus Martinaitis, is one of the most vivid figures in Lithuanian poetry, embodying a free spirit, creativity, and courage to think differently. When asked about Kukutis, the volunteer team offered various interpretations:
“Kukutis is us: young people unafraid to speak up, question, and change the world around us. There are many such Kukutis-like individuals among us, including volunteers,” shares Petrauskas.
“For me, Kukutis symbolizes those who constantly seek new challenges and boldly step out of their comfort zone,” adds Kodoras.
Volunteer Eglė Platūkytė recites Martinaitis’ lines:
“And he runs / covered in pillow feathers / with unseeing eyes / runs ahead of time / – and he is chased / by the bodiless force / of several worlds.”
“In this distorted mirror realm, Kukutis is somewhat of an experiment, a phenomenon, or a prophet—or simply a poet,” she reflects.
Visitor Traditions: Special Moments and Celebrated Birthdays
Having volunteered at the fair since 2020, Kodoras observes that many visitors create their own traditions at the Vilnius Book Fair, himself included:
“If authors from Nordic countries attend, I make sure to listen to them. I also visit my favorite publisher’s stand and check out new book releases. On the first day, I like to explore the entire fair—from event halls and publisher booths to the Music Hall.”
Dr. Sigita Bagužaitė-Talačkienė, director of the Palanga Amber Museum, has attended the fair for nearly 20 years and cherishes a tradition of meeting friends:
“For six years now, I’ve met my friends Rytis, Irma, and Marius at the Vilnius Book Fair. We jokingly call it our unofficial ‘Doctors’ Club,’ as we all studied and defended dissertations together. The fair isn’t just about books but also about people: friends, colleagues, acquaintances. Could there be a better place to see everyone in one spot? For us, these annual gatherings provide a chance to reminisce and discuss cultural matters.”
Gailė Vanagienė, an ethnologist at the Vilnius Ethnic Culture Center, shares her unique tradition:
“My mother’s birthday is February 27, so every year at the fair, I buy her a book—usually a romance novel. My eleven-year-old daughter starts saving money as early as Christmas to purchase all the books she wants. She’s the biggest reader in our family. While choosing books, we also support small or lesser-known publishers, which we believe is important. Before leaving the fair, we stamp all our purchases with the Vilnius Book Fair seal. This ritual has become a cherished family moment, celebrating literature and togetherness.”
The Vilnius Book Fair as a Festival
Reflecting on her first visit, Vanagienė jokes:
“I’ve been attending my whole life. As far back as I can remember, the book fair has been part of my life. Books were highly valued in my family; my grandparents were lecturers and writers, and my parents were teachers. Growing up surrounded by books, attending the fair was a must. Each year, I went with my mom, and later, with my children. Now my teenage sons attend on their own, while I still go with my mother and daughters.”
Lolita Varanavičienė, former director of the publishing house Tyto alba and longtime organizer of the Vilnius Book Fair, once described it as “another annual celebration,” a sentiment echoed by both volunteers and visitors.
“I’m thrilled the fair has thrived for 25 years, becoming an integral part of many of our lives. Readers await the Vilnius Book Fair as eagerly as Christmas,” concludes Vanagienė.
