In response to the growing demand for Ukrainian literature among Ukrainian people staying in Ireland, the Ukrainian Embassy in collaboration with Ambassador Larysa Garasko has gifted Limerick City Library a curated selection of Ukrainian books spanning various genres to form a bookshelf.
This generous donation has allowed the creation of a Ukrainian Bookshelf in our City Library for the benefit of Ukrainian people now living in Limerick.
Limerick City and County Council’s Library Service will continue to develop this collection with the addition of further books and materials following the official launch of this new service by the Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell and Ambassador Garasko.
In addition to books for readers of all ages, Limerick City Library, in its role as a Europe Direct Information Centre, also provides access to a selection of free publications covering a wide range of EU related topics in the Ukrainian language.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell welcomed the initiative, “the Ukrainian Bookshelf is a demonstration of the power of literature and the universal need for access to knowledge and culture. It recognises the growing demand for Ukrainian literature among the brave individuals who have fled conflict in their homeland, seeking refuge here in Limerick and across Ireland. This bookshelf will not only serve as a source of solace and familiarity but also as a bridge connecting diverse cultures.”
Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland Larysa Garasko commented, “It’s very important to keep connections between Ukraine and Ukrainians abroad in these dark times in the history of our country, a time of great turmoil for Ukrainians. The Ukrainian Bookshelf in Limerick City Library is also very important for intercultural connections because Ukrainians have become part of the Irish community and Limerick’s community. The next step is to provide the library with Ukrainian literature translated into English to give the possibility to Irish people to read Ukrainian literature and get more knowledge about Ukraine.”
Senior Executive Librarian at Limerick City and County Council, Brenda Frawley said, “Limerick Libraries are honoured to receive this generous gift from the Ambassador. Literature in the Ukrainian language is much requested and with this wonderful collection the Library has been able to create a dedicated bookshelf for our new Ukrainian neighbours with reading material for all ages and interests.”
The Ukrainian Bookshelf at Limerick City Library is the first to be established outside of Dublin. The first was opened at the National Library in the capital.
Additional Ukrainian Bookshelves are expected to be introduced at other libraries across the country in the coming months.
Source: Limerick City & County Council
