Warrington is standing in solidarity with Ukraine by twinning libraries in a gesture of support.
The borough of Warrington has formed a partnership with a library in Chortkiv, a city in western Ukraine. This initiative is part of a national effort led by Libraries Connected, which has seen over 20 areas in the UK twinning with libraries in Ukraine. The goal is to exchange information, skills, and ideas, as well as to celebrate the language, literature, and culture of both countries.
Since the conflict in Ukraine began, over 1,000 cultural heritage sites have been damaged or destroyed, including many libraries. These libraries have had to adapt to wartime conditions by focusing on mental health support, combating misinformation, and providing practical assistance such as first aid training and rest stations for soldiers.
Through the twinning program, Libraries Connected aims to provide moral and practical support to library staff who are working in challenging circumstances. This partnership allows for mutual learning and exchange, strengthening the bond between the two communities.
Cllr Tony Higgins, from Warrington Borough Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it is a great opportunity to show solidarity with Ukraine and to establish new connections. The goal is to work closely with Chortkiv to share cultural knowledge, collaborate on initiatives, and offer assistance to help the city continue its important work during these tough times.
For more information on the work being done with libraries in Ukraine, you can visit the Libraries Connected website to see the full list of paired libraries and learn more about their efforts in supporting the Ukrainian library sector.