Ukraine Launches Chapter Ukraine, a New Platform Showcasing Ukrainian Books in Translation

Chytomo, together with Craft, presents Chapter Ukraine – a new interactive digital platform that offers comprehensive information about Ukrainian books available in translation. The project is implemented in partnership with Snig.digital, Kavi.Agency, PEN Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Book Institute.

Users can access all the data they need, filter the catalogue by genre, theme, or historical period, create their own curated lists, and share them directly with libraries and bookstores.

“Our goal was to create an accessible, practical tool to enable international libraries, bookstores, and cultural institutions to discover Ukrainian literature in translation. Together with our team and partners, we developed Chapter Ukraine as a single source for anyone interested in Ukrainian books, both in Ukraine and abroad,” – says Kateryna Kazimirova, the project’s co-curator, author of Chapter Ukraine and head of CRAFT NGO. “With the sharing function, users can create personalized lists and send requests directly to libraries or bookstores. The next stage of the platform will include integrations with library and distribution services, showing where titles are already available for purchase or reading and making the process even easier for everyone involved.”

From its initial focus on the English-speaking audience, particularly in the United States, where the first volunteer team was formed to launch the communications campaign, the project is now expanding. In addition to English, service launches in Spanish and German.

These multilingual expansions are part of a broader effort to make Ukrainian literature more accessible worldwide. To support this goal, the project is accompanied by an advocacy campaign designed to raise awareness among international readers and expand the presence of Ukrainian books on library and bookstore shelves worldwide. It focuses on professional communities, media, and cultural institutions to strengthen the visibility of Ukrainian authors in translation and to stimulate demand for new works. Alongside work with professional networks and institutions, the initiative calls on individuals to take part by encouraging their local libraries and bookstores to feature Ukrainian titles, helping the books reach new audiences.

“At Chytomo, we keep a close eye on new translations of Ukrainian books abroad. After the launch of Translate Ukraine and House of Europe grants, the number of translations skyrocketed – so much that in 2023 journalists called it a ‘breakthrough’,” says Iryna Baturevych, the project’s co-curator and Chytomo’s development director. “The momentum continues: in just the first half of this year, more books have appeared in translation than in the entire ‘breakthrough’ year of 2023. But these books still need support to be noticed – so we’re looking for ambassadors of Ukrainian literature to support their favorite books abroad. And there’s plenty to choose from.”

Project partners and contributors:

• CRAFT NGO – project initiator and platform developer;
• Chytomo NGO – project initiator, expert partner; curating German and Spanish selections with the support of the Ukrainian Book Institute;
• Snig.Info – web design & identity;
• Kavi.Agency – web development and integrations.

Institutional partners: 

• Ukrainian Book Institute
• PEN Ukraine
• UNWLA
• Razom for Ukraine

The project team continuously improves the service, updates the database with new titles, and welcomes new collaborations. Proposals and inquiries can be sent to: [email protected].