There are already 700 books in the new library which has opened in a former surfing shop
THE first Ukrainian library in Wales has opened in Cardiff to bring those who have fled the Ukraine war a sense of home.
It has been set up at the Cardiff for Ukraine Hub in the Capitol Shopping Centre, formerly the Quiksilver Surf Shop, in Cardiff city centre.
It is part of a five-year project and each year the collection will be expanded.
“The library will allow Ukrainians to gather together not only to read books but to help us settle down and to feel our motherland in a foreign country,” said Viktoriia Kizim of Cardiff for Ukraine, one of the volunteers who has helped put the project together.
The library has been funded by Reading Studios, a charity which aims to create community libraries for refugees in the UK, Switzerland and Poland. Cardiff’s Ukrainian Library marks their twelfth. For Ukrainians in Cardiff, it is not just a luxury, but a necessity to reconnect with home.
“It will promote deeper values between Wales and Ukraine,” added Viktoriia Kizim. “Without literature and art, we can’t understand others’ cultures and struggles. The library helps to see ourselves in each other.
“We have tried to bring Ukrainian literature not only to Ukrainians but to the broader world to show how Ukrainians are not only victims of war but also people of high culture.”
The library has 700 books, ranging from fairy tales for children to adult non-fiction. Most of the books are in Ukrainian while a few are Welsh books translated into Ukrainian to help refugees integrate into Welsh culture.
Works of Shakespeare, Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes are favourites among Ukrainians, said Anastasia Kovtun, 24. The PhD maths student at Cardiff University is one of the driving forces behind the library.
“There is children’s literature, modern and classical Ukrainian and world literature collections,” she said.
“The library is so important, especially for young children. Books like Harry Potter are important for Ukrainians who read English. These books inspire.”
The library was officially opened by Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Finance. Speaking at the event, he said: “The library is a chance for Ukrainians to breath in after all the difficulties they have faced and to begin that difficult process of re-establishing their lives.”
Mr Drakeford continued: “When you see people from another part of the world come together and celebrate their own culture to make sure children remain connected to it, it is an experience which has a powerful echo here in Wales.”
Also speaking at the event was Mick Antoniw, Member of Senedd for Pontypridd, whose father came to the UK as a refugee following World War II. He said: “The one thing that has enabled Ukraine to retain its identity has been through its literature, through its poets, composers and filmmakers. It is with great pride to see pictures of famous Ukrainian writers on the wall.”
Victoria Amelina and Volodymyr Vakulenko were Ukranian writers (featured within the library). Both were killed by Russian airstrikes. Photo Credits: The Cardiffian.
Mr Antoniw continued: “When my parents’ generation came to Wales from Ukraine, the first thing they did was try and set up a library where they could meet. They understood the value of education and how knowledge is strength. That is also something we understand in Wales.”
Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State for Europe, also attended the event. He said: “I am a huge advocate for the incredible work that all of you have done for building links here in Wales. This is about coming together. Slava Ukraini.”
Helen McAdie, one of the founders of Cardiff for Ukraine, said: “Everybody here has been a part of creating this. It is so important we have this space for everyone who has come here to Wales, to feel your own. To feel a part of our Welsh culture.”
