The National Library of Estonia is holding an exhibition of textbooks used for studying in the 1600s, 1700s and 1800s, which are on display for the first time.

The oldest textbook is from the year 1515 and additionally, studying tools used during that time can also be viewed.

The "ABC and Cicero. The History of School Books in Estonia" exhibition features textbooks used in the countryside and urban schools.

The director of the library Janne Andersoo said the subject is especially current because digital education and e-materials are increasingly important every day.

"The content and quality of textbooks have gone through significant growth. If today, the main focus is passing on practical skills, then in previous centuries, educating the mind was emphasized."

Andersoo said the exhibition gives a unique opportunity to travel back in time and get familiar with textbooks which have been the backbone of national education.

"As a center of education and research, we stand for knowledge being accessible to everybody both digitally and physically."   

The exhibition "ABC ja Cicero. Kooliraamat mineviku Eestis" is open until May 29 of 2021.

The curators are Urve Sildre and Sirje Lusmägi.

VES/ERR News