diff --git a/core/src/main/java/org/geysermc/geyser/session/GeyserSession.java b/core/src/main/java/org/geysermc/geyser/session/GeyserSession.java
index fa0db15f2..d76cc4b97 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/org/geysermc/geyser/session/GeyserSession.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/org/geysermc/geyser/session/GeyserSession.java
@@ -1688,6 +1688,8 @@ public class GeyserSession implements GeyserConnection, GeyserCommandSource {
         abilities.add(Ability.MINE);
         // Needed so you can drop items
         abilities.add(Ability.DOORS_AND_SWITCHES);
+        // Required for lecterns to work (likely started around 1.19.10; confirmed on 1.19.70)
+        abilities.add(Ability.OPEN_CONTAINERS);
         if (gameMode == GameMode.CREATIVE) {
             // Needed so the client doesn't attempt to take away items
             abilities.add(Ability.INSTABUILD);