The San José State University School of Information has reinforced its commitment to supporting Ukrainian libraries and communities by delivering over 350 books to the Cherkasy Universal Regional Library in Ukraine. These books, donated by publishers at the 2024 American Library Association Conference, mark another milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the iSchool and Cherkasy Library spearheaded by Assistant Professor Ulia Gosart.

Library officials, including Deputy Chairman of the Cherkasy Regional State Administration, Oleksandr Shamrai; and Head of the Department of Culture and Cultural Heritage Protection, Oleksandr Shabatin; expressed their gratitude to the iSchool, along with Library Director, Liudmyla Diadyk.

A Growing Partnership Amid War

Since the onset of the war in 2022, the iSchool and Cherkasy Library have partnered on multiple initiatives, including:

• Expanding Digital Access: Establishing an e-section at Cherkasy Library, equipped with computers, scanners, and printers in partnership with Saving Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Online (SUCHO);
• Supporting Youth Engagement: Developing a fully furnished youth center to serve the next generation of Ukrainian library users;
• Advancing Research & Preservation: Collaborating on symposia and strengthening library services in Cherkasy villages;
• Empowering Children Through Art: Raising funds for art therapy sessions in regional libraries, resulting in a collection of children’s drawings and poetry.

A Powerful Exhibit: From Ukraine to the U.S.

One of the most impactful outcomes of this partnership has been the traveling children’s art and poetry exhibit, which educates the public about the war’s effects on young Ukrainians. The exhibit is currently on display at the University of South Florida and continues to tour U.S. colleges as a call for peace.

To further amplify its reach, the exhibit has been transformed into a browser-based virtual reality experience (view here). This innovative digital project received a prestigious Anthem Award, recognizing its use of technology for social impact and cultural preservation.

Expanding Support for Ukrainian Libraries

The iSchool and the San Francisco Bay Area Community are deepening its commitment with additional projects:

• Building Literacy Access: Partnering with Little Free Library® to establish three book-sharing boxes in Cherkasy and three more in regional libraries;
• Public Art for Public Spaces: Collaborating with San Francisco Bay Area Friends of Art Education to fund murals for Ukrainian libraries. Renowned Ukrainian artist Galytska Olena Valerievna will work alongside local youth to bring these murals to life;
• Hosting Global Dialogues: Convening symposia with Ukrainian library professionals and leaders. The upcoming March 13th symposium, Information Conservation as Resistance: How Ukrainian Libraries Document and Preserve Past and Present Experiences During the War, will be held in partnership with USF.

“Delivering books to Ukrainian children through ALA was just the first step,” said Dr. Anthony Chow, Director of the iSchool. “Now, we’re expanding our impact by bringing books, literacy, and cultural initiatives directly into Cherkasy’s communities.”

A Message of Hope

Reflecting on the collaboration, Cherkasy Universal Library Director Liudmyla Diadyk shared: “Our partnership with the iSchool helps us cope with the realities of war. It gives us hope. We stand together, striving to end this terrible war and build a brighter future for our children.”

For more information on the SJSU iSchool’s efforts and ways to support Ukrainian libraries, visit SJSU iSchool’s website. To donate go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-literacy-for-ukraines-waraffected-kids 

Media Contact:
Dr. Ulia Gosart, ulia.gosart@sjsu.edu