Everyone is Welcome

The aim of Reading Studios is to promote reading and create connections through books. Dorota and Lilia purchased 700 books, all printed in Ukraine during the full-scale invasion, and transported them to Reading.

The library in Reading was the first Ukrainian library of its kind in the UK, followed by sister libraries in Cardiff and Leeds. 115 books were kindly provided by Alexandra Sevko, the Head Mistress of the Ukrainian School “Lastivka”.

https://www.readingstudios.org/

The library is run by a dedicated team of displaced Ukrainian volunteers who give their time alongside working and raising their families.

The team includes:

• Iryna Bakaliar
• Kateryna Reshetova
• Kateryna Spitkovska
• Kseniia Novikova
• Iryna I.
• Svitlana O.
• Yulia H.
• Yulia M.

The library provides a safe and welcoming space for displaced Ukrainians, offering an opportunity to connect with others in their community and find comfort through Ukrainian books and reading.

It also plays an important role for Ukrainian children living in the UK. The library gives them access to books in their native language, helping them maintain their Ukrainian language and cultural connection while studying in British schools.