While war dehumanises, literature restores dignity.
A Gesture of Gratitude and Identity
The Silesian Voivodeship Library in Katowice has unveiled a dedicated “Ukrainian Book Shelf”, marking more than just a literary addition – it is a symbol of solidarity between Poland and Ukraine.
Spearheaded by Ukraine’s Consul General in Kraków, Viacheslav Voinarovskyi, and supported by the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, the initiative serves as a thank you to Poland for sheltering Ukrainian refugees, particularly women and children, since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
A Library Within a Library
Though termed a “bookshelf,” the collection functions as a full-fledged Ukrainian literature section, curated over several months by Valentyna Kuzmin, Vice Consul of Ukraine in Kraków. It features contemporary and classic fiction, children’s books, historical works, and cultural reference guides, offering displaced Ukrainians a vital connection to their heritage.
Literature as Resistance
Artur Madaliński, the library’s director, emphasised that while war dehumanises, literature restores dignity. For the large Ukrainian community in Katowice, these books act as a cultural lifeline, reinforcing language and identity in exile.
The project was made possible through collaboration with Ukrainian publishers, translators, and cultural advocates, including Vikhola, Ranok, and writer Mila Radchenko.
Part of a Wider Diplomatic Effort
This initiative is one of many under Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Book Institute, using literature as soft power to sustain global awareness and support.
By integrating Ukrainian voices into Poland’s cultural spaces, the project fosters long-term dialogue and empathy – proving that even in war, books remain a powerful tool of resilience.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
