The books printed in Lithuania Minor have left a strong imprint on Lithuanian history. The Reformation of the 16th century, which gave rights to the native language, created the conditions for the emergence of the Lithuanian literature. The first Lithuanian book Katekizmas by M. Mažvydas was published in Königsberg in 1547, the first grammar of the Lithuanian language by Daniel Klein appeared in 1653, the first Lithuanian Bible was published in 1735, the first scientific work on the Lithuanian language by Philipp Ruhig was published in 1747, and the first Lithuanian work of fiction was written (K. Donelaitis’ Metai), in 1822 the first Lithuanian periodical was published, in 1825 the first collection of songs collected in Prussian Lithuania was published, written by L. Rėza. The museum’s collection contains over 6 000 publications in Lithuanian and German languages printed in the printing houses of Königsberg, Tilsit, Klaipėda and Priekulė. The exposition introduces the culture of books and literature in Lithuania Minor. Priority is given to manuscripts and printed materials in the Lithuanian language, which symbolise the Lithuanian culture of the region and the importance of the memorial heritage: Bibles, catechisms, prayer books, hymnals, sermon books, works of the Lithuanian language and folklore, and printed materials printed in Lithuania Minor and smuggled to the Greater Lithuania during the period of the Press Ban.

Special attention is paid to the publications printed in the Klaipėda region (Klaipėda, Šilutė, Priekulė, Bitėnai) and their authors. There is also an opportunity to see publications in German language dedicated to the subject of Lithuania Minor. The works of the most famous authors who were born or lived in the Klaipėda region—E. Wichert, H. Sudermann, J. Sembritzki and others—are presented. The oldest printed materials from the 16th and 17th centuries and a unique epitome of history and natural sciences written in Lithuanian in 1816-1817 by the teacher Gerulis from the village of Diegliai in Klaipėda County, are also on display in the museum. The exposition is complemented by E. Labutytė’s cycle of graphic works The Figures of Lithuania Minor and a collection of medals dedicated to the most famous creators of the books.

The larger historical context is revealed in the multimedia terminal. Here it’s possible to get access to the most valuable publications, book authors and publishers.