All-Ukrainian Library Day: Karazin University Celebrates

Every year on 30 September, Ukraine celebrates All-Ukrainian Library Day. A library is a treasury of cultural and intellectual heritage, a place where the knowledge of generations is preserved, and new ideas are born. Even in the digital age, libraries remain relevant, evolving into spaces for learning, research, creativity, and face-to-face interaction.

The Central Scientific Library of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, founded in 1804, is one of the oldest libraries in Ukraine. In 2013, it was included in the State Register of Scientific Objects of National Heritage. The Library’s collection comprises more than 3,350,000 items, including 60,000 unique rare publications. Its holdings include Ukrainian and foreign early printed books and manuscripts dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries, lifetime editions of renowned scientists and literary figures, and the first journals and newspapers printed at the University’s press. The Library maintains an international book exchange with educational and research institutions abroad and provides access to leading electronic databases.

Today, the Library is more than a repository of books: it is a vibrant hub of university life. It supports teaching, learning and research, helping students and scholars access and use electronic resources. It also promotes the cultural development of new generations by organising exhibitions featuring artists, photographers and decorative arts practitioners, meetings with researchers and artists, themed evenings and workshops. At a time when education and science require particular resilience, the Library remains a reliable source of support for the University community.

We extend our warmest wishes to all library professionals and readers on this special occasion, wishing them boundless energy, inspiration, and discoveries!