Ukrainian Libraries: A Brief Update

jroseNo CommentsBlog, Liblime

Since our initial post about this topic, the situation in that region for libraries has not improved. UNESCO reported on July 18, 2022, “verified damage to 164 sites since 24 February – 72 religious sites, 12 museums, 32 historic buildings, 24 buildings dedicated to cultural activities, 17 monuments, 7 libraries.” The libraries in question are listed below. The ALA continues its Ukraine Library Relief Fund, and every cent is donated to the libraries of Ukraine. Building of regional children’s library (former Vasyl Tarnovsky Museum of Ukrainian Antiquities) – (Chernihiv region)

  • Chernihiv Regional Universal Scientific Library. V.G. Korolenko (built in 1910-13)
  • Central City Library M. Kotsiubynsky – (Chernihiv)
  • Central City Library in Irpin – (Kyiv region)
  • Makarivska Public Library (building of the early twentieth century) – (Kyiv region)
  • Kharkiv State Scientific Library (Korolenko State Scientific Library) – (Kharkiv)
  • Central City Library V.G.Korolenko in Mariupol – (Donetsk region)

These regions have all been in the news as receiving blasts and major destruction. They were sheltering countless people, providing food, and as many resources as they could. Now, they are part of a long list of sites obliterated by this war. These are sites that were supposed to be protected by the 1954 Hague Convention.

 

By Gretchen Hendrick Gardella, MLIS

Gretchen Hendrick Gardella is a Librarian with administrative, research, and vast technical skills. Ms. Gardella brings over 16 years of experience working in academic and public libraries to the discussion.