Lithuanian Public Libraries

In Pasvalys the State Public Library was established in 1937. The book-stock of 4,100 copies of prints was closed to the public and had a few readers. In 1940, the Library moved to the new premises and its collection was refreshed with the libraries of manors and forbidden organisations. Between 1941 and 1944, Albinas Vaitkus (the writer Marius Katiliškis) has headed the Library.

In a post-war period and later, the Library changed its name, subordination and structure for several time. In the years of rebirth, the Library restored its lost essence and became the educator, guardian and torchbearer of the Lithuanian culture.

In 1994, the Library was granted the name of Marius Katiliškis.

In 1995, the room in memory of the writer M. Katiliškis was opened with the permanent exposition. In the same year, the M. Katiliškis Public Library Award was founded.

In 1999, the Mobile Library has started serving the residents of remote villages with document collection of over 3,900 items including books, periodicals, and toys for children and audio records.

In 2001, the Library has entered the path of implementation of information society. Generation of LIBIS electronic catalogue has commenced; the Internet reading-room and the Foreign Language reading-room were set up. At present, the stock of the Public Library comprises over 92 thousand items of documents that are used by over 2,800 of regular users. 55 thousand of Pasvalys city residents and guests from Lithuania and abroad come to the Library annually. The Library stores the collection of books donated by fellow-countrymen.