for 62 libraries, for $50,000. Library services in Ukraine have been significantly disrupted by the war, as has much of the country’s infrastruc- ture. However librarians across Ukraine are continuing to open library build- ings to deliver a range of support and services to people. Library Country is continuing its mission within Ukraine as it looks to do what it can to ensure services continue to meet the needs of users.
However, as well as working with libraries within Ukraine the foundation has also pivoted its operations to take on a more international role. The war has seen many millions of people leaving conflict zones – either to Ukrainian towns or cities away from the frontline, or to safe countries across Europe. It is estimated that more than six mil- lion Ukrainians have left the country, and Lyusyena says that the foundation is forging international partnerships and links to help library services support the needs of these displaced people. She says: “Since many Ukrainians were forced to leave Ukraine and immigrate, we started the project Ukrainian books for the libraries of the world, thus we have transferred thousands of books to many countries. We also started collecting books in foreign languages for Ukrainian libraries.” (
https://uabook.eu/en/) As well as providing Ukrainian language books to libraries, the foundation is also helping to create closer ties with libraries across borders. A notable partnership was created as part of the activity around this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, which was held in Liverpool instead of Ukraine. Lyusyena explains: “In April 2023, the Royal family of Great Britain certified the partnership of the libraries of Liver- pool and Odesa – and it is a success!”
Trostyanets Public Library, re-opened after occupation.
She goes on to reveal that more work is being done to encourage similar initiatives, saying: “The important direction now is the establishment of international partnership for libraries: this is advocacy for the needs of the cultural sphere and libraries on the international arena through participation in international events, the collection of books for Ukrainian libraries and ‘sister libraries’ project, the ambassadors project for Ukrainian libraries.” Earlier this year Lyusyena took part in a
Libraries Connected event where she was able to discuss the work they are doing in Ukraine and beyond. She says that work needs to continue and is keen to hear from
any UK-based libraries that could work with Library Country to support its work. As well as continuing on the work that has already begun, Lyusyena says that there are some specific projects that could make a big difference to the lives of those people still living in Ukraine. “Ukrainian libraries and readers are in great need of mobile library buses,” she says. “Many libraries have been destroyed in regions close to the war, and mobile service would solve the problem of access to books and the Internet.
“As I already mentioned, we are looking for sister libraries for Ukrainian libraries and books in English.” IP
Sister Libraries for Ukraine – Promotion of information cooperation and countering disinformation
l Libraries provide interested users with information about the lan- guage, literature, culture, society, politics, economy, law, history, and environment of another partner library’s country.
l Libraries contribute to the reli- ability of information distributed on information channels about another library-party and the country of this library.
l The Ukrainian Library provides consultations on the removal of
October-November 2023
literature containing propaganda and misinformation about Ukraine, its language, history and culture.
Cultural and professional direction: exchange of experi- ence Libraries distribute success stories in the library industry and own professional experience on common educational activities.
Humanitarian support: pro- mote the mutual exchange of books and information materials on electronic media.
Principles of cooperation: cooperation of libraries is carried out on the basis of their equality, good faith, mutual respect for the rights and interests of the parties.
Information For more information on Library Country and how to support its work, visit
https://livelibrary.com.ua/en. Donate to the foundation at www.
patreon.com/livelibrary_ukraine.
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 31
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