Ensuring that Ukrainian books are present in American public libraries is more than cultural outreach — it is a deliberate act of decolonizing Ukraine’s intellectual heritage and restoring Ukrainian voices to their rightful place in the global literary landscape.

For decades, Ukrainian literature has been marginalized, misattributed, or filtered through imperial narratives that obscured Ukraine’s distinct history, language, and cultural experience. Today, promoting Ukrainian books in local libraries is a powerful way to correct that imbalance. It ensures that international readers encounter Ukraine not as a footnote to empire, but as a nation with a rich, independent literary tradition.

American public libraries are trusted gateways to knowledge. When Ukrainian books appear on their shelves, they bring fresh voices and authentic perspectives to students, educators, and readers of all backgrounds, expanding understanding, challenging long-standing stereotypes, and helping Ukrainian literature claim its rightful place in public spaces and public consciousness. This page is a growing resource for UNWLA members and supporters, offering ideas, inspiration, and practical tools to advocate for Ukrainian books in libraries across the United States—so that, together, branch by branch and community by community, Ukrainian stories remain visible, accessible, and read for generations to come.

The UNWLA toolkits on working with local libraries have repeatedly proven to be an effective tool for increasing the presence of Ukrainian literature in American libraries.

Why does your outreach matter?

• Brings Ukrainian stories to everyone: Helps more people — Ukrainian or not — discover our voices, experiences, and culture.
• Builds real understanding: Offers honest stories that push back against stereotypes and misinformation.
• Strengthens community bonds: Gives Ukrainian families a sense of belonging and invites others to connect through shared experiences.
• Encourages inclusion: When libraries see interest in Ukrainian books, they’re more likely to grow their collections.

How to build partnership?

• Connect with library staff: Reach out, set up a meeting, and share who we are and why Ukrainian books make a difference.
• Use personal connections: A friendly conversation with a librarian can go a long way — explain why these books matter to your community.
• Co-create events: Offer storytimes, cultural programs, or small presentations as an easy way to start working together.

How to Advocate for Inclusion of Books?

• Share the “why”: Talk about how Ukrainian literature enriches the library — culturally, educationally, and socially.
• Make it easy to choose books: Provide curated reading lists, especially in English, to simplify the selection process, use Chapter Ukraine (https://chapterukraine.com/)
• Guide them to reliable vendors: Recommend trusted sellers so librarians can find titles without hassle.
• Show there’s demand: Encourage your community to borrow Ukrainian books and join events — it helps libraries justify expanding their collections.
• Keep the relationship going: Stay in touch, share new books as they’re released, and be a friendly, ongoing resource.

How to Promote & Engage the Community?

• Host meaningful events: Storytimes, author or translator talks, book clubs, cultural programs — anything that brings people together.
• Share the news widely: Use social media, newsletters, and library platforms to spread the word about events and new books.
• Grow through word-of-mouth: Encourage families and friends to ask for Ukrainian titles and share what they love.
• Support the library’s outreach: Help create flyers, share announcements, or boost events through UNWLA channels.
• Stay connected with each library: Let them know when new books come out so they can add them to their catalog and keep the collection fresh.

Get Involved!

• Submit a Success Story: Share how you’ve helped bring Ukrainian books to your local library.
• Request Support: Need help with an initiative? Reach out to us (education@unwla.org) for guidance.
• Spread the Word: Use our materials to encourage more libraries to include Ukrainian literature.

This page is continuously updated with new success stories, resources, and best practices. UNWLA members are encouraged to contribute by submitting their materials to education@unwla.org.