Every life comes to an end. Such is the nature of life. This time the turn has come for our friend, colleague, a librarian, scientist, erudite connoisseur of culture and life, knowledgeable sports enthusiast, passionate Latvian patriot, and a good man, Andris Vilks.
Widely known as the long-time director of the National Library of Latvia, Andris Vilks spent his entire professional career at one institution. Andris began his career in 1978 as a senior librarian in the Rare Books and Manuscripts Department at the Latvian SSR State Library, later becoming the head of the department, and in 1989, the director of the entire library; a position he held until 2024. The library was his life, his great goal and, possibly, his calling. Although Andris had also wanted to achieve more in science, he privately admitted that his unwritten dissertation remained in organisating the construction of the Castle of Light (the new National Library building). The building, now one of the most remarkable structures built after restoration of Latvia as an independent state, is seen as a defining element of Riga in international photographs. More importantly, it has become a symbol and an object of pride for the people of Latvia. The construction of this building will forever remain as a great accomplishment of the director of the National Library of Latvia, Andris Vilks.
The Castle of Light is clearly a jewel of Latvia, but Andris Vilks understood well that the building also needed content. He had a deep understanding of library work and the role of libraries, especially in today’s rapidly changing environment. As an internationally renowned figure in library organisations, he had insight and could foresee the development of the sector, he developed contacts, and consistently promoted new ideas. His involvement in numerous elected positions in library organisations around the world demonstrated that Andris’ opinions were not only valued in Latvia, but also abroad. Matters such as the state of the National Library of Latvia and our libraries in general in a frequently shifting political environment, the digitalization process, the promotion of research in the field of book studies, and the recruitment and development of staff skills to carry out these tasks were all top priorities for the Director, in which he was directly involved.
Possibly the longest-serving head of an institution in Latvia, he met, got to know and collaborated with many people. He knew and was known by politicians, actors, singers, businessmen, sportsmen, civil servants, scientists. Andris always spoke fondly of his old friends, his schoolmates from Secondary School No. 24. Respect and friendship towards people permeated his life, regardless of their background or social status. Sport had a special place in his heart, with basketball being one of his main passions. In his youth, Andris had been an excellent and promising basketball player, and later retained an unrelenting interest in sporting events, and had a systematic understanding of them.
Andris Vilks was interested in everything; he was able to immerse himself and to listen to others. He was firm but understanding, friendly but not overly familiar. He was simple in everyday life but could also demonstrate refinement when necessary. Andris was rational, consistent, courageous but not reckless. He disliked bureaucracy and sought to highlight the essence of an issue first, but at the same time he never underestimated the work done by public servants. He was passionate about his country, and every part of Latvia, yet he had a special connection with his birthplace, the renowned working-class district of Grīziņkalns.
May our director rest in peace.
The staff of the National Library of Latvia