Lupai

Ukrainian Libraries in Wartime Since the start of the war in Ukraine, LUPAI has worked to provide support to the Regional Universal Scientific Library (named after Taras Shevchenko) in Cherkasy; a City Library Branch for Children No. 1 of the Boyarka Public Library, Kyiv Region; and the Kherson Regional Universal Library in the City of Kherson.Our RegionsWe currently have established and trusted contacts in three critical areas of Ukraine:CherkasyBoyarkaKherson...

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In 2023, the U.S.-based team was sent 14 photographs and descriptions from Ukrainian librarians documenting extensive physical damage and the emotional devastation resulting from the library damage and destruction, serving as the foundation upon which the Ukraine During Wartime archives was created. Since that time, photographic evidence and descriptions of the destruction of libraries has grown exponentially––from 14 to over 500 images. In an effort to continue to increase the amount of information and quality of metadata received, members of Team Ukraine, Emily Brennen (Rocky Vista University) and Kelly Famuliner (San José State University)...

Archiving Ukrainian Library DestructionRussia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine led to the complete destruction of over 230 libraries, and that number continues to grow. Of the libraries that are open, some offer residents employment assistance, literacy workshops, humanitarian aid and clothing; some have been converted to bomb shelters. Librarians help community members find accurate information as well as recognize propaganda and fake news. The information component of the Russia-Ukraine war has turned the work of librarians into a critical defense mission.This archive project commenced in 2022 with the intent to document destroyed Ukra...

Traveling Exhibition: “Children Draw War, Not Flowers”Since the start of the war, the Taras Shevchenko Regional Universal Scientific Library of Cherkasy has been working with the San Jose State University to support children traumatized by war. Working with forty regional libraries, the entities held the art competition Children Draw War, Not Flowers for Ukrainian artists aged 6-16. This was followed by the poetry competition, Voices of War, for poets under age 18. 450 artworks were created, and a scanner was purchased to digitize the works on the Saving Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Online (SUCHO) website. Additionally, 45 ...

Staff Bios Ulia Gosart, Founder, Librarians for Ukrainian Peace & Independence, is an Assistant Professor at the School of Information, San Jose State University. A native of Ukraine she grew up in Cherkasy and received her first library degree from the Kyiv State University of Culture and Art. Since 2022 she advocates for peace in Ukraine through fundraising, thematic symposia, traveling exhibit and publishing. Her PhD is from UCLA; she lives in Los Angeles. Rhonda Clark, Lead Archivist, is a Professor of Library and Information Science at PennWest Clarion. Dr. Clark studied history and politi...

LUPAI would not exist without our invaluable partnership with the Ukrainian Library Association. We are also grateful for the support from impactful organizations such as Saving Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Online (SUCHO) and San Jose State University’s School of Information.LUPAI’s initiatives and special projects are built by the hands and hearts of our incredible volunteer team. Want to partner with us? We’re always looking for additional volunteers! Please contact uliagt@gmail.com to learn more information. Support LUPAI with a donation! Financial support extends LUPAI’s impact and reach, serving as a catalyst for new programs and all...