In a celebration of the literary contributions and activities surrounding libraries in Estonia, President Alar Karis has been honored as the Friend of Libraries for the year 2025 by the Estonian Library Association. This recognition highlights his role as the patron of the Year of the Book in Estonia, which commenced on the Estonian Literature Day in 2025 and concluded on the Mother Language Day, March 14. During 2025, over 500 library events were conducted across the country, including 204 author meetings and numerous literary walks, exhibitions, and fairs, attracting participation from more than 200,000 individuals.

The title of Friend of Libraries has been awarded since 2014 to individuals or organizations that have significantly supported libraries, contributed to their development, or promoted reading. Notably, the first recipient of this title was Marju Lauristin. The efforts made by President Karis during the Year of the Book were seen as instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of reading and the various roles libraries play in fostering community engagement and literacy.

Through his active involvement and public engagement, President Karis emphasized the significance of libraries as cultural and educational institutions in Estonia. His dedication to promoting literature aligns with the goals of the Estonian Library Association, who seeks to celebrate and enhance the role of libraries in society, thereby encouraging reading and literary activities among the population. This honor not only acknowledges the president's contributions but also reinforces the importance of literary advocacy and support for libraries in the country.