On January 30, the Year of the Estonian Book was ceremoniously declared in Estonia as having begun, which celebrates the passing of 500 years since the first publication to include Estonian texts was published. In celebration of this, various events are also taking place at VEMU Estonian Museum Canada.
Since many films that were produced in Soviet Estonia are unknown to Estonian Canadians, one of VEMU’s missions is to introduce the best of the best of Estonian cinema. Movies that are based on a book have been included in this year’s selection. On February 9th, the feature film “Ukuaru” was screened. The 1973 film, produced by Leida Laius, is based on Veera Saar’s novel bearing the same name. The screening was followed by a lively discussion.
VEMU is home to the largest collection of Estonian books in Canada. The museum’s main interest are, understandably, diaspora Estonian publications, but books published at various times in Estonia are also found here, as well as estica — Estonian themed publications in foreign languages. Since a lion’s share of diaspora Estonian books have been in the VEMU book collection for a long time, duplicates are sent to Estonia. In 2011-2023, eight large shipments have made their way to Estonia. But excess books keep on accumulating, especially those published in Estonia, which we haven’t sent back.
To give those books a new home, VEMU organized a big book fair “Culture Starts With Books” (Rahvas algab raamatust) on March 2nd. Interesting and exciting literature could be found: f iction, memoirs, books on various subjects (for example, history), children’s literature, cookbooks and more, in both Estonian and English. The books were available for free or for a donation (pay what you can). New books were also available for purchase, including those by Canadian Estonian authors.
The diverse fair program lasted four hours, offering something for everyone — young and old, all interests. A livestream from Estonia with member of the book year main committee, Krista Ojasaar, took place.
We also introduced new books. In collaboration with Ene-Liis Martens, a colouring book titled “Patterns of Life” was published by VEMU, featuring the handicraft patterns of Elfriede Vallaste. It tells the life and escape story of the aforementioned strong Estonian woman. Eerik Purje talked about his latest book, “Person of Yesterday” (Üeeilne inimene), published in the fall of 2024. Anne Remmel introduced her book, “Two Worlds Within.”
In the advertising blurbs “Bookworm recommends” and “Bookworm warns”, lively book recommendations and what-not-to-read were presented by local book friends Kadri Tüür, Katariina Tirmaste, and Piret Noorhani. Since LP’s with featuring Estonian music and works of authors could be found, DJ Juta (Kruusmäe) was spinning records.
Estonian climate minister Yoko Alender also visited the book fair; she was in Canada to speak at the World’s Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention. The minister was familiarized with VEMU’s collections and activities, and spoke about her own experiences and relationships with books and diaspora Estonia.
The day ended with a reception, which was supported by the Estonian Embassy in Ottawa and the Estonian Central Council in Canada. There were a lot of visitors and one wish remained ringing in the ears of the organizers: please organize this again.
A lottery also took place, the grand prize was a rendezvous with an author, meaning a dinner and cultural discussion. Since the lucky winner, Paul Kiilaspea, is planning on going to Estonia in the summer, the rendezvous will be taking place with VEMU’s old friend, Leelo Tungal in Tallinn.
During the Year of the Book, everyone who has a knowledge of the Estonian language could set a goal: read one book in Estonian — even better, many, if possible. Or even a book about Estonia or a translation of a piece of Estonian literature. Happy Year of the Book!