by Zach Miller
Quick Summary
Julia Bliznyuk, director of the children's library in Smila, Ukraine, describes her library's continued service to patrons in the midst of intensified Russian attacks and the water, heat, and power outages that accompany them. Julia's update comes via her close friend and colleague Sandra Buckingham, a member of the staff at Minnesota's East Central Regional Library.
Text courtesy of Children's Library Director Julia Bliznyuk of Smila, Ukraine (above, at left). Published with permission. Translation by Anya Fartushna (above, at right). Edited by Zach Miller.
A modern children's library is an information center, a place where personal development, technology, comfort, and literature combine. It is a place where parents and their children may spend time together, feeling free. It’s a place where people may read books and look through magazines, feeling at home. Not only do children go to the library to read, but also for the atmosphere and fellowship.
Last October, the Russian army began regular missile and drone attacks targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. As a result, millions of people in Ukraine lost access to electricity, heat, and water. Disruptions can last for hours and sometimes even for days.
Despite these difficulties, and despite the missiles and drones Russia rains down on our infrastructure, libraries continue to serve the people. We take part in charity events to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and participate in USAID’s Мріємо та діємо (Dream and Act) program. Every week, we offer classes where children learn about media and receive career guidance. There are theater performances, meetings with animators and talented countrymen, and workshops that are popular with patrons.
In Smila, like in many other parts of Ukraine, due to power cuts, there is a daily schedule of three-hours on and three-hours off. Last week it was a little better: four hours on, two hours off. On a few occasions, we’ve gone without power for 24 hours. Under such difficult circumstances, library workers have to be flexible and ready to improvise as they manage the library and its events. Now we plan workshops where no electronics are needed. When there’s no heat and the building cools down, that adds to the inconvenience. And yet, no matter the hardship, the people of Smila (and Ukrainians generally) are willing to face it in the hope that victory comes soon and our country has peace. We are unified by the victory we dream of and by our strength.
Despite everything, our library system remains a strong front for information and culture. At the beginning of the full scale war, we organized a new kind of service: the “library shelter.” This service provides free access to psychological help, the internet, table games, movies, cartoons, magazines, newspapers, and hot tea with treats and warm fellowship.
Each day brings us one day closer to our day of victory! Believe in the Armed Forces of Ukraine! Together, we are strong!
