Initiative with Ukraine’s first lady brings new books to Winnipeg libraries

Winnipeg Public Library has more than 120 new books written in Ukrainian through the Ukrainian Bookshelf Project.

The Winnipeg Public Library is expanding its collection to include more books written in Ukrainian.

It’s all part of the Ukrainian Bookshelf Project, an initiative launched by Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska. Through this project, the Ukrainian Consulate donated more than 120 books to the city’s libraries, including options for both children and adults.

Patricia Bal, marketing and communications specialist with Winnipeg Public Library, said libraries are often one of the first places newcomers visit to seek out resources and information.

She noted these books will allow the nearly 100,000 people of Ukrainian descent in Winnipeg to connect to their heritage,

‘It’s just a way to give local citizens who come from a Ukrainian background a chance to connect with language and culture and check out some books,” Bal said.

Winnipeg is the fourth Canadian city to take part in the Ukrainian Bookshelf Project, joining Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto.

Winnipeggers can browse the books at Millennium Library, or they can search the online catalogue to see what’s available for pick-up at any library branch.

The Winnipeg Public Library also has collections in more than 20 other languages.