More than 15 libraries have been destroyed or damaged by the russian invaders

The russian military has already destroyed or damaged more than 15 libraries in Ukraine, Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko said during an online meeting with the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group for Libraries, Information and Knowledge.   

He noted that this number is not final. 

To prevent risks for libraries, archives and cultural institutions from the actions of the occupiers, Tkachenko urged British parliamentarians, officials and heads of cultural institutions to help Ukraine.

This includes providing financial support in the long-term: funds for restoration, grant support through the Ukrainian Book Institute, distribution of Ukrainian literature abroad.

As of March 13, the russian occupiers had destroyed or damaged 9 libraries. Damage caused to Ukrainian libraries can be reported using this link.

Ukraine has established a Council for the Development of Libraries, which will regulate the functioning of Ukrainian libraries during the war and what to do with russian and Soviet books in libraries.

Photo: Viacheslav Chaus