Karazin University’s Central Scientific Library Opens Reading Rooms in Honor of Distinguished Alumni Scholars

On January 30, the Karazin University community gathered in the historic building of the Central Scientific Library (23 Universytetska St.) to celebrate the opening of reading rooms named in honor of Ivan Svitlychny and Yurii Sheveliov.

In her welcoming speech, Rector Tetyana Kaganovska stated:
"History came first. This building already housed books long before we were here. And when we are gone, the books will remain. To experience, absorb, comprehend, reflect, and find inspiration for discoveries is only possible when you hold a book in your hands. Those who create books are truly unique."

Congratulatory speeches were also delivered by Director of the Central Scientific Library Iryna Zhuravlova, Professor of the School of Philology Yurii Bezkhutryi, Head of the Kharkiv Regional Writers' Union Anatolii Stozhuk, as well as Oleksandr Savchuk, Serhii Vakulenko, Kateryna Karunchyk, Dean of the School of Philology Yevheniia Chekareva, and Honorary Doctor of the University Serhii Zhadan.

In an online format, writer Oksana Zabuzhko and Director of the Lviv Municipal Library Vasyl Kmit also addressed the Karazin community.

Throughout the event, attendees reflected on the lives of two outstanding Karazin University alumni.

• Ivan Svitlychny — a Ukrainian poet, literary critic, and dissident movement figure.
• Yurii Sheveliov — a distinguished Slavist-linguist, historian of Ukrainian literature, an active participant in the academic and cultural life of the diaspora, and an Honorary Doctor of Karazin University.

Both scholars made invaluable contributions to the promotion and development of the Ukrainian language and literature, both within Ukraine and beyond.

"We remember many Karazin alumni. It is safe to say that without these individuals, we would have lost a significant part of our heritage… Today, Sheveliov is one of the key figures associated with Kharkiv. This recognition didn’t exist 10–20 years ago. We hope that similar associations will be formed with Ivan Svitlychny — a great Ukrainian, a person who profoundly influenced the generation of the 1960s. It is our mission and duty to ensure that Svitlychny becomes much more widely known," said Serhii Zhadan.

At the end of the event, staff members of the Central Scientific Library were recognized for their many years of dedicated and fruitful work, outstanding professionalism, and in celebration of the 220th anniversary of the library’s establishment:

• Svitlana Hlybytska, Chief Bibliographer of the Central Scientific Library (CSL), was awarded an Honorary Diploma from the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration.
• Oksana Yakovenko, Head of the Main Activities Sector of the CSL, received an Acknowledgment from the Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration.
• Olena Babicheva was awarded an Honorary Diploma from the Kharkiv City Council.
• Kateryna Lyskova, Deputy Director of the CSL, and Nataliia Prots, Head of the CSL Department, received an Acknowledgment from the Mayor.
• Iryna Zhuravlova, Director of the CSL, was honored with the "For Service to Karazin University" Award and the Badge of Honor from the Central Committee of the Trade Union "Distinguished Worker of Education and Science of Ukraine".
• Iryna Bondarenko, Head of the CSL Department, was awarded a Certificate of Recognition from V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University.
• Valentyna Nezhalska and Tetyana Siomina, Heads of CSL Operations, received an Acknowledgment from the Rector of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University.