The Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation has donated 7 unique literary works to 119 public libraries in rural and urban municipalities of Latvia. Ojārs Spārītis, Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, Imants Freibergs, Aija Odiņa, Ojārs Pētersons, Aivars Vilipsōns, Dita Rietuma and Normunds Naumanis are well-known authors most Latvian readers.
Libraries across Latvia also benefit from the Foundation’s art and culture events in addition to book donations. Moreover, close cooperation with the National Library of Latvia leads to the broadest possible access to books.
Ojārs Spārītis. Photo: Jānis Brencis
“Academic Dialogues About Science and Life” is the new book by Ojārs Spārītis that reached its readers in 2024. Ojārs Spārītis was the president and vice-president of the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) from 2012 to 2024. The book is a series of more than 30 interviews between Mr Spārītis and members of the academic elite conducted in 2021-2024. During these four years, Ojārs Spārītis interviewed scientists from various disciplines: academics, corresponding fellows, international and honorary fellows of LAS, university professors, and teachers. You can also read the electronic version of the book if you click this link.
“Threefold sun. The mythological sun” and “Laima. Maker of fates”. Publicity photo.
“Threefold sun. The Mythological Sun”, the final book of the five-volume edition based on numerous years of research into Latvian folk songs (dainas) by Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, reached its readers in 2016. Meanwhile, Imants Freibergs published a compilation of 2 220 folk songs “Laima. Maker of Fates” about Laima, Laime, and happiness, offering a broader perspective on the folk beliefs.
“The Large Vase. ¾” at the National Library. Photo: Ieva Makare, LETA
Book as an object of conceptual art. Most of “The Large Vase”, or ¾ of the art piece created by Ojārs Pētersons, is situated by the Castle of Light (National Library), whereas the remaining ¼ of the vase is set near Riga Stradiņš University. The exterior of “The Large Vase” is a ceramic mosaic, alluding to Garlieb Merkel and his “ Ancient Vidzeme”, with each piece of 14 thousand ceramic tiles carrying one letter.
The artist’s book with excerpts from Merkel’s texts is another integral object of the conceptual art piece. Supported by the Foundation, this book was added to the collection of public libraries in Latvia in 2016. Selected texts are in Latvian, English, French, German, Spanish and Russian.
The Boris and Ināra Teterev art patronage initiative TÊTE-À-TÊTE 2015 has also produced Dita Rietuma and Normunds Naumani's book “500 most watched films of all time”. Readers will find their essays about films that have shaped the history of cinema from its early days till now. The book has also been gifted to the Latvian Academy of Culture, which trains future film industry professionals.
Aija Odiņa’s book. Photo: LETA
The library has also received Aija Odiņa’s “Good Behaviour Guide (2014) and Business and Official Protocol” (2011). Books contain elaborate descriptions of the author’s experience with international etiquette and diplomacy, as well as historical references. Readers can find out more about etiquette and protocol – from initial meetings, dress code, and table manners to business communication. The book has also been gifted to libraries of the University of Latvia, adding to its collection of business etiquette and protocol literature for students who have selected the etiquette course (see image gallery).
Aivars Vilipsōns art book with 143 pieces of graphic art was gifted to libraries in 2012. According to Ingrīda Burāne, “This is a one-of-a-kind book. It is the first book that illuminates artist’s professional work over the past three decades. It immerses the audience into an art form patiently crafted by the artist throughout the decades.
As you turn page after page, going deeper into the artist’s imagination, you will at least get a glimpse of one of the most notable contemporary Latvian artist’s personality, while admiring the fact that each large-format drawing has only one copy.”
Charity project “Outstanding art makers: past and present”. Proho: Ieva Makare, LETAThe National Library of Latvia and its culture and art book collection have also been enriched by the book donated through the “Outstanding Art Makers: past and present” project. The project has a clear concept: only books that reflect the main and most prominent contemporary art milestones of the late 20th century and 21st century. The focus is on artist personalities and artist monographs, including legendary European artists who have shaped the work of exceptional contemporary artists.
