Libraries in Ukraine are continuing to provide access to information even in the face of the tragic current situation and are thus upholding the right to critical, democratic, free and objective thinking and activities. They provide places of shelter and refuge for both children and adults. The Ukrainians did not wish this war upon themselves and yet every day the situation becomes more fraught for them; in circumstances such as these, the support given by those operating libraries requires considerable personal courage on their part. The German and international library community thus stands united behind its Ukrainian colleagues.

The associations that are part of BID and many libraries in Germany are organising programmes for the benefit of Ukraine. Libraries are offering grants and other financial aid to library staff who have fled the country. A dedicated section has been set up for our Ukrainian counterparts on openbibliojobs, an online portal advertising jobs in libraries, archives and related institutions. Libraries are assisting with the protection and transport of endangered cultural assets as well as the long-term archiving of digital data.

For an overview of current aid measures provided by libraries and their partners, please visit the website of the German Library Association (Deutscher Bibliotheksverband e. V, dbv)