Libraries are symbols of knowledge and freedom, however since 2022 they have been the target of Russia’s attempt to erase Ukrainian culture.

Our Libraries of Light Project restores libraries and cultural heritage centres in Ukraine, giving communities places to learn, imagine, and recover. At Kent With Ukraine, we are working to help Ukraine rebuild their libraries as catalysts for community change and as thriving hubs of Culture, Creativity, and Empowerment.

Since the start of the Full-Scale Invasion, libraries that were once vibrant centers of learning, community, and cultural memory have been reduced to rubble, shattering countless stories, aspirations, and the fragile fabric of community infrastructure.

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As of June 2023, nationally around 800 libraries across Ukraine have been significantly damaged by the war. Over 100 have been completely destroyed with 259 requiring full reconstruction. Specifically in Chernihiv region, around 70 libraries have suffered significant damage including the Chernihiv Regional Library for Youth (Tarnovsky Building) [below], which Russia deliberately targeted in a missile attack on 11th March 2022 and the Chernihiv Regional Universal Scientific Library which was bombed on 30th March 2022.

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It is important to note that the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court qualifies crimes against cultural property as a type of war crime. In the Chernihiv Region it is more than evident that Russia purposely targeted libraries in an attempt to erase the cultural importance and significance of the Ukrainian people.

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CORE PROJECT OBJECTIVES: 

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• Repair. Reopen. Revive. We are working with the Chernihiv Regional State Administration to identify two library sites that have been damaged by the war with the hope of fundraising to transform them into vibrant hubs of learning, culture and opportunity.

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• Empowering and supporting young people. We will ensure that each restored library becomes a safe (complete with shelters) and inspiring place where young people can read, heal and aspire to greater things.

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• Restore and promote identity. We hope to replenish collections and help to restore cultural identity in Chernihiv but also offer a global outlook with new technologies and a dedicated programme for the study of the English Language.

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• Strengthening Communities. We will support the libraries to host storytelling, art competitions, reading circles, music recordings and educational workshops.

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• These sites will become cultural HQs (and home to a number of London-based Societies/Institutions who wish to develop overseas branches in Ukraine) offering opportunities to strengthen community cohesion and heal communities devastated by war.

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• Provide Books & Inspire Literacy – Distribute free, high-quality books each month via local delivery services to children in the Chernihiv Region and then more widely across Ukraine, hopefully as part of an already established scheme from the USA.

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• Support Post-War Recovery – Help rebuild cultural and educational infrastructure for young families in the Chernihiv region.

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• Promote International Solidarity – Showcase a tangible example of UK–US–Ukraine cooperation, highlighting how arts and culture are important tools for recovery and development.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​