Discover Aizstrautnieki

• The Aizstrautnieku Library was established on October 1, 1970, as the second library in the village of Dobele.
• The first library in the Aizstrautnieki area was established in 1839 at Bērzbeķe Primary School.
• At a creative workshop in 2023, interested participants could make a Jumis, a household symbol of blessing and prosperity.
• Card game enthusiasts were invited to a “CŪKA” card game tournament.

The years 1839 and 1970 refer to different points of reference. 1839 marks the beginning of a library in the Aizstrautnieki area and names Bērzbeķe Primary School as the place where it was established. October 1, 1970, by contrast, is the founding date of the Aizstrautnieku Library, which was established as the second library in the village of Dobele.

These are therefore not two dates for the same institution: the earlier date refers to the first library in the area, while the later one marks the founding of the named library. This distinction matters for a historical overview. It lets you understand both the area’s longer library history and the founding of the Aizstrautnieku Library without combining the two accounts into the history of a single institution.

At a creative workshop in 2023, interested participants could make a Jumis. Jumis is a household symbol of blessing and prosperity. The activity thus combines the practical making of an object with a culturally named motif associated with home and prosperity.

For travelers interested in local culture, this connection is particularly revealing: the focus was not only on a creative activity, but also on a symbol with an explicitly domestic meaning. The workshop therefore offers a different perspective on cultural activities than a card game tournament or a community celebration.

A “CŪKA” card game tournament was held at the Aizstrautnieku Library, with card game enthusiasts invited to take part. Another form of community participation was part of a celebration of Latvia’s birthday. Participants were invited to help create a shared, generous and cozy table with their own savory or sweet dishes.

The two occasions differed in what participants were invited to do: the tournament centered on a card game, while the celebration focused on a jointly prepared table. Together with the creative workshop, they offer concrete examples of culture that is experienced not only through exhibits, but also through an activity or community event.

The library history and individual activities give Aizstrautnieki a cultural profile. The workshop and community events were one-off events held in the past. If you are planning to visit specifically for a program, check for a current date before making your travel plans.

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

Which dates are important to the library’s history?

The first library in the Aizstrautnieki area was established in 1839 at Bērzbeķe Primary School. The Aizstrautnieku Library was established on October 1, 1970.

What does Jumis mean?

Jumis is a household symbol of blessing and prosperity. At a creative workshop in 2023, interested participants could make one.

What was planned for the celebration of Latvia’s birthday?

Participants were invited to help create a shared table and contribute their own savory or sweet dishes.

For the broader travel overview: Dobeles Novads.