To start, VEMU’s chief archivist Piret Noorhani spoke on “Literature, Libraries, and Legacy.” She reminded the audience that Estonian cultural identity has always rested on language and education, noting how “the Estonian language is our secret weapon.” Noorhani described how books in exile served as symbols of resistance. Even their mere presence in refugee homes was an act of loyalty to heritage.
She detailed VEMU’s role in preserving this legacy, with a collection of over 22,000 titles, the oldest being an 1825 New Testament. Since 2011, VEMU has sent eight shipments (more than 3,100 boxes) of books back to Estonia. Noorhani also spoke of creative uses of books in the diaspora from book Christmas trees to translation competitions that uncover new, active talent. In this way, VEMU is an anchor for Estonian literature outside of Estonia.
