Aizstrautnieki can be explored through the history of its library and a range of cultural events. The topics span an early library milestone in the 19th century and events involving crafts, card games and sharing a meal. If you are looking for a holiday rental and want to take culture into account when choosing a destination, this perspective offers a specific local point of reference. It provides a thematic framework, not a ready-made itinerary.

Library history with two milestones

The first library in the Aizstrautnieki area was established in 1839 at Bērzbeķe Primary School. On 1 October 1970, the Aizstrautnieki Library was founded as the second library in the village of Dobele. The two dates answer different questions: 1839 marks the first library in the Aizstrautnieki area; 1970 refers to the founding of the Aizstrautnieki Library and its status as the second library in the village of Dobele. There are 131 years between these milestones. This places a regional perspective alongside the history of a specifically named library.

Crafts and card games

A more recent glimpse into local cultural themes is a creative workshop held at the Aizstrautnieki Library in 2023. Participants could make a Jumis, a symbol of domestic blessing and prosperity. The combination of activity and meaning makes this example specific: it was not just a workshop, but the creation of a symbol with cultural significance. If you are interested in local symbolism, this example offers a clearly defined way to explore the topic.

Card game tournaments offered another form of participation. In 2026, the Aizstrautnieki Library hosted a tournament for the card game “CŪKA,” welcoming card game enthusiasts. A Zolīte card game tournament was also held there on 28 February. The two names refer to different games, while the tournament format is common to both events. This offers a different way to engage with the library than through its chronology: here, the focus is on games and competition rather than institutional history.

A shared table

At a celebration of Latvia’s birthday at the Aizstrautnieki Library in 2025, participants were invited to contribute their own savoury or sweet dishes to a shared, abundant and welcoming table. This format puts the emphasis somewhere different from a workshop or tournament: the invitation centred not on a single object or game, but on setting the table together. Savoury and sweet dishes were equally part of this shared contribution. For anyone interested in food culture, this offers a glimpse of a communal meal put together by its participants.

For your travel plans, the historical references and event formats can be considered separately: the library’s history provides a timeline, while specific events are tied to their respective dates. If an event is a deciding factor in your plans, check its date in advance. When looking for a holiday rental, you can also consider whether the historical perspective or communal cultural activities better match your travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Dobele, Zebras Muiža, Auri, Prinči, Biksti.

For the broader travel overview: Dobeles Novads.