UNESCO will help restore the library in Kharkiv that was damaged by Russia
The V. G. Korolenko Kharkiv State Scientific Library, which sustained damage as a result of Russian shelling, will receive technical assistance from UNESCO to preserve its buildings and library collections. A memorandum to that effect was signed by the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, UNESCO, and the library.
The document provides for technical assistance to preserve the library’s damaged buildings and its collections. The Ministry will provide organizational and coordination support for the project’s implementation.
Under the memorandum, plans include repairing the heating systems in the administrative and operational building and the new book storage facility, replacing the book storage facility’s internal drainage system, and repairing the commercial heat metering unit.
Library Director Natalia Petrenko noted that, despite the damage and the challenges of war, the library continues to operate and remains an important space for the community. According to her, the new memorandum marks the next phase in the library’s preservation and development.
“Our library continues to serve the public even under extremely difficult conditions. Despite the damage, the lack of adequate infrastructure, and the challenges of war, visitors continue to come to the library because it remains an important space for the community. This memorandum marks a new phase in the library’s preservation and development,” noted Natalia Petrenko.
The Ministry of Culture added that the new agreement is a continuation of the cooperation that began in 2025. The previous memorandum made it possible to implement priority measures to protect the library, while the new one is aimed at its further preservation.
This was reported by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine on July 14.
As a reminder, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized UNESCO for refusing to recognize the Russian shelling of the Lavra.
As a result of the massive Russian attack on Kyiv on the night of June 15, the National Palace of Arts “Ukraine” sustained damage.
