Kupiškis District Municipality Public Library

The Kupiškis District Municipality Public Library was officially established in 1937 in Jonas Apšega’s Hall, which at that time also functioned as a cinema. In 1941, the library was relocated to the Keršis family house on Vilniaus Street, a building that now houses the folk art studio Židinys. By 1947, it had been moved once again, this time to the former Bliume Trapido family building at 21 Gedimino Street.

In 1950, following extensive renovation and adaptation for cultural purposes, the library – together with the House of Culture and the Museum of Local History – moved to its present location: the former Great Synagogue. The synagogue had been originally built during the Baroque era, although there are no precise records of its construction date. It was first mentioned in written sources in 1901. During World War II (1941–1945), the building was partially destroyed, leaving only its walls and the eastern façade pediment, which featured a circular window in the centre and diamond-shaped windows in the corners. Between 1948 and 1949, the synagogue was rebuilt: the two original stone and masonry floors were retained, a third wooden floor was added, and the interior was redesigned to accommodate cultural institutions.

Reconstruction work on the library building between 2016 and 2022 aimed not only to modernise the facility but also to restore the synagogue to its authentic pre-World War II appearance. During this period, the library temporarily operated from premises at 24 Krantinė Street, until 1 March 2023, when it officially reopened to the public.

Today, the library comprises 16 specialised divisions and serves as a dynamic cultural, educational, and informational hub for the residents of the Kupiškis District, preserving both the heritage of the Great Synagogue and the history of the library as a cornerstone of the community.

Library Services

The Kupiškis Public Library offers a wide range of services for its visitors, catering to cultural, educational, and informational needs:

• Ordering and Borrowing of Publications: Access to a collection of resources in a variety of formats.
• Library Spaces:Accessibility: The library is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility or disabilities, with a lift providing access to all three floors.
  • Department of Cultural Education for Children and Youth
  • Periodicals Reading Room
  • Computerised Workstation
  • Lending Department
  • Exhibition Hall and Terrace
  • Music Room
• Free Public Internet Access is available for all visitors.
• Accessibility: The library is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility or disabilities, with a lift providing access to all three floors.
• Consultations: Including basic computer literacy training and assistance with information searches.
• Paid Services: Available for specialised needs.

Events and Exhibitions

The library hosts a variety of cultural and educational events for all age groups:

• Exhibitions;
• Book Presentations;
• Conferences;
• Concerts and Performances;
• Educational Programmes;
• Hire of Spaces for Community and Private Events;
• Summer Day Camps for Children and Youth.

Clubs and Community Programmes

The library also offers clubs to engage the local community:

• Little Kids Club – for early childhood activities;
• Robotics Club – fostering creativity and STEM skills through practical projects;
• Book Club “KNYGIUS” – promoting reading and literary discussions.