A Ukrainian bookstore has opened in Prague

The first Ukrainian bookstore-café in Prague, Shevchenko’s Mustache, opened July 13.

More than 400 people attended the opening, a significant turnout for the 35-square-meter store. Visitors primarily purchased fiction and non-fiction books, prompting the store to order an additional 1,200 titles. Andriy Nosach, the bookstore owner, posted a video on his Facebook page showing the line of readers waiting to attend the opening.

Nosach, who is also a founder of the Prometey Publishing House in Ukraine, said he opened the store to provide a long-term presence for Ukrainians in Prague, allowing them to access Ukrainian books and preserve their identity. The store also aims to introduce Czechs to Ukrainian literature.

The bookstore plans to host literary events, lectures on history and culture, and serve Ukrainian coffee. “We’re building a cultural hub,” said Nosach. He plans to open more locations in the future but hasn’t decided whether the next one will be in Ukraine or somewhere else in Europe.

Schevchenko’s Mustache is named after Taras Shevchenko (1814-1861), a Ukrainian poet, writer, artist, and national hero. He is considered one of the most important figures in Ukrainian literature and culture.

Copy editing: Terra Friedman King