The Reading Ukrainian Library provides a welcoming, supportive environment where displaced Ukrainians and the wider Reading community can share in cultural, educational, and social opportunities.
By offering access to over 700 books in Ukrainian and English, the library ensures that cultural heritage is preserved and shared, allowing individuals to engage in lifelong learning and maintain a connection with their roots while integrating into Reading’s diverse social fabric.
The library fosters a sense of belonging for Ukrainians while promoting cross-cultural connections through events like Heritage Open Days, which attract both Ukrainians and the broader Reading public.
We are so proud to be the only library in Reading and the surrounding areas specifically dedicated to Ukrainian literature, culture, and heritage. It offers over 700 books in both Ukrainian and English, filling a significant gap for displaced Ukrainians seeking to maintain their cultural identity and language skills.
The library is entirely managed by volunteers, many of whom are displaced Ukrainian mothers facing their own challenges. This grassroots approach ensures the library remains responsive to the community's evolving needs.
The project builds on existing relationships with organizations like the University of Reading and professional librarians such as Dawn Vaux. These partnerships enhance literacy programs and ensure the library operates to professional standards.