Libraries
Ancient document, written on parchment, papyri and vellum can hardly be qualified
as books the way we understand the word today.
Centuries went before paper replaced parchment and papyri. In the 15 th
century Johann Gutenberg invented a mechanical process of duplicating texts, which
we today call book printing. The first book was printed between 1444 and 1446, so
these years can be considered as the beginning years of book printing. His most
important preserved printings are the 40 copies of the Bible. By the end of the 15 th
century there were about 1000 print-shops in Europe already. The oldest Estonian
book dates back to 1535.
Libraries form a vital part of education. They make available-through books,
films, recordings and other media- knowledge that has been accumulated through the
ages. People in all walks of life use libraries to get information for their work.
Libraries also play an important role in preserving people's cultural heritage.
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