5. Klaipėda County Ieva Simonaitytė Public Library / former residence of the merchant Hermann Gerlach

About

This house, built in 1874 for the timber merchant Hermann Gerlach, is perhaps the only surviving neo-Renaissance building in all of Klaipėda. Located on a spacious site, it served not only as the merchant’s residence but also housed his business office and the Italian consulate. In 1935, the city purchased the property from Gerlach’s widow, and following reconstruction by architect Paul Giesing, the Stadtbücherei Memel (Memel City Library) opened in 1936. It operated until 1944. 

After the war, the building served as a base for various institutions until 1956, when it was once again handed over to the library, and was renamed in honour of writer Ieva Simonaitytė in 1978. While the interior layout was redesigned after the war, the exterior remained authentic.

Due to shortage of space, plans for a new library were long considered, but ultimately it was decided to expand the existing complex – construction and restoration works took place between 1998 and 2008. The project was entrusted to architect Neringa Blaževičienė, who designed a two-storey perimeter block with an attic, surrounding the courtyard. It now houses reading rooms and halls for exhibitions and events. 

The façades of the original merchant’s residence have been restored, the exterior and interior mouldings, doors, windows and ceiling decorations have been reconstructed, and an intimate event space named Gerlacho palėpė (Gerlach’s Attic) has been created in the attic.