Manchester Libraries has been twinned with a Ukrainian library through a new partnership programme dedicated to bringing closer links with libraries in Ukraine.
Libraries Connected, the organisation of all public libraries in the United Kingdom, has overseen the development of a library twinning partnership with Library County, the Ukrainian library association.
The twinning programme aims to promote information exchange about language, literature, and culture, to develop joint initiatives, to connect audiences through the exchange of experience, books and digital material as well as celebrate both UK and Ukrainian literature and culture.
The announcement has seen Manchester Libraries, twinned with the Lviv Regional Youth Library. It is now one of several UK libraries twinned with a counterpart in Ukraine. Lviv, like Manchester, is a UNESCO City of Literature.
Since the war broke out, libraries in Ukraine have had to adapt to changing conditions with a focus on supporting their communities’ mental health, countering misinformation, and providing practical help.
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure welcomed the opportunity to twin with the Lviv Regional Youth Library today and said: “We are delighted that Manchester has been given this opportunity to twin with a Ukrainian library. We have a strong Ukrainian community, and we have been eager to show solidarity and connect with them in this way.
“Libraries whether here or in Ukraine sit at the heart of and are the bedrock of communities and are an important resource for our young people, we hope to support Lviv Youth Library and the library staff in whatever way we can.”
- Words:
- Brad Lengden
- Published on:
- Tue 15 Oct 2024
