Libraries Connected, the organisation of all public libraries in the United Kingdom, has overseen the development of a library twinning partnership with Library County, the Ukrainian library association.

The announcement has seen Manchester Libraries, twinned with the Lviv Regional Youth Library. It is one of several UK libraries twinned with a counterpart in Ukraine.

Being twinned with a Youth Library is particularly apt because of Moss Side Powerhouse Youth Library, a library specialising in offering a service to young people. Lviv, like Manchester is a UNESCO City of Literature.

Since the war broke out, libraries in Ukraine have had to adapt to changing conditions with a focus on supporting their communities’ mental health, countering misinformation, and providing practical help.

The twinning programme aims to promote information exchange about language, literature, and culture, to develop joint initiatives, connect audiences through exchange of experience, books and digital material as well as celebrating both UK and Ukrainian literature and culture.

Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure welcomed the opportunity to twin with the Lviv Regional Youth Library today and said:

“We are delighted that Manchester has been given this opportunity to twin with a Ukrainian library. We have a strong Ukrainian community, and we have been eager to show solidarity and connect with them in this way.

“Libraries whether here or in Ukraine sit at the heart of and are the bedrock of communities and are an important resource for our young people, we hope to support Lviv Youth Library and the library staff in whatever way we can.”

Manchester Libraries is a Library of Sanctuary having been re-awarded Libraries of Sanctuary Status for another three years, earlier this year. It recognises and celebrates libraries that go above and beyond to welcome sanctuary seekers and refugees, demonstrating solidarity and inclusivity and the benefits of a welcoming culture to everyone.