The Estonian Year of the Book, which began on the Estonian Literature Day on 30 January 2025, concluded on the Mother Tongue Day on 14 March 2026.

As the closing event, a conference titled “The Estonian Book – How Long Can It Last?” took place on 13–14 March at the National Library of Estonia. The conference focused on the present and future of Estonian book culture. Speakers addressed reading habits, literary education and research, Estonian literature in the context of the age of artificial intelligence and international cultural relations, as well as the immediate future of our native-language literature — that is, the work of young authors.

At the opening session of the conference, Professor Emerita of the University of Tartu, Marju Lauristin, presented the reading study “Estonians Read 2025.” The study highlighted developments in reader profiles, reading habits, and preferences, and identified the greatest threats to Estonian culture. Although books in Estonian still have readers today despite their high price, they face significant competition from literature in English. One of the threats pointed out by the analysis of the results was the appeal of foreign-language literature, particularly among younger readers. The results of the reading study have been compiled into a book which is available free of charge on the website of the National Library of Estonia.

One of the aims of the conference was not to just discuss the future and future generations, but to give as much space as possible to the voices of young people themselves. Therefore, in addition to writers, researchers, teachers, and other cultural and educational figures, the speakers also included students and young authors.

In addition to presentations, the conference’s cultural programme introduced guests to the tangible heritage of the Year of the Book. Visitors could see a collaboratively created embroidered tapestry, as well as the story of its creation through photographs and video material. Guests could also revisit the events of the Estonian Year of the Book through photos and videos.

In addition, a major overview exhibition of book design was opened for the duration of the conference at the National Library: Figurative Curves: 70 Years of the Book Design Competition in Estonia. This exhibition will move from the National Library to the Academic Library of Tallinn University and then to the University of Tartu Library.