The “Ukrainian Bookshelf” project was initiated by the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, in 2020. Its goal is to promote Ukrainian literature abroad and to preserve Ukraine’s cultural identity around the world.
The initiative involves creating special collections of Ukrainian books in public and national libraries, cultural centers, and educational institutions outside of Ukraine. These collections include:
Classic Ukrainian literature, including works by Taras Shevchenko, Lesia Ukrainka, and Ivan Franko;
Contemporary Ukrainian prose and poetry;
Children’s books by Ukrainian authors;
Translations of well-known Ukrainian works into foreign languages;
Books about Ukraine written in other languages.
As part of the project, books are provided primarily in Ukrainian, but also in translation — making them accessible both to the Ukrainian diaspora and to international readers.
📚 Promoting Ukrainian culture
Through the “Ukrainian Bookshelf,” people around the world can discover literature that presents Ukraine as a modern, developed, and culturally rich country.
🌍 Supporting the Ukrainian diaspora
Bookshelves help Ukrainians abroad maintain a connection with their homeland through literature in their native language.
🤝 Cultural diplomacy
The initiative aims to foster mutual understanding between nations through cultural exchange.
🎓 Education and awareness
The project offers foreigners the opportunity to learn more about Ukrainian history, language, and values.
In just three years, the “Ukrainian Bookshelf” has made remarkable progress:
🌐 Geographical expansion
Book collections have already been established in more than 30 countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Colombia, Italy, France, Mexico, Germany, Poland, Spain, and others.
📖 Promotion of Ukrainian authors
The project opens new horizons for Ukrainian writers, making their work accessible to an international audience.
🏛 Support for Ukrainian publishers
The initiative has created additional demand for Ukrainian publications, supporting the publishing industry even in challenging times.
📚 Increased interest in Ukraine
These bookshelves have become cultural ambassadors of Ukraine, drawing attention to its history, language, and literature.
If you are a representative of a library, cultural center, or educational institution in Peru, Colombia, or Ecuador, and would like to establish a Ukrainian Bookshelf in your institution, please contact us at:
📧 [email protected]
The Embassy will provide a set of books and an informational plaque.
The “Ukrainian Bookshelf” is not just a project — it is a powerful tool of cultural diplomacy that showcases the richness of Ukrainian literature and its significance in global culture.
Thanks to this initiative, Ukraine’s voice is becoming stronger and clearer in every corner of the world 🇺🇦📚
As part of the project of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, and with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Peru, concurrently accredited to the Republic of Colombia and the Republic of Ecuador, Ukrainian Bookshelves have been established at leading universities in Colombia and Ecuador.
The project aims to promote Ukrainian literature, history, culture, and contemporary Ukraine among students, academics, researchers, and the general public. The bookshelves feature works by Ukrainian authors, translations into foreign languages, as well as publications on the history, art, culture, and current developments of Ukraine.
Opening date: 13 November 2024
Bookshelf location: Biblioteca Octavio Arizmendi Posada
Address: Campus del Puente del Común, Km. 7, Autopista Norte, Chía, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Email: [email protected]
Library website: https://www.unisabana.edu.co/biblioteca/nosotros
Opening date: 7 October 2025
Bookshelf location: UPB Libraries, Laureles Campus, Building 15, First Floor
Address: Circular 1A No. 70-01, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Phone: +57 4 448 83 88
Library WhatsApp: +57 313 534 93 99
Opening date: 7 May 2025
Bookshelf location: University Library
Email: [email protected]
Library website: https://www.usfq.edu.ec/es/biblioteca
Address: RH37+HMF, 170157, Quito, Ecuador
Opening date: 9 September 2025
Bookshelf location: Biblioteca Campus Central
Address: Av. 12 de Abril y Av. Loja, Cuenca, Ecuador
Email: [email protected]
Opening date: 10 September 2025
Bookshelf location: Carlos Julio Arosemena Monroy Reading Room, Faculty of Law, Politics and Development
Address: Km 2.5 Vía Samborondón, Samborondón, Guayas, Ecuador
We invite everyone to visit the Ukrainian Bookshelves and discover the rich literary, historical, and cultural heritage of Ukraine.