Fingal Libraries celebrates donation of 100 Ukrainian language books for children

Fingal County Council Libraries Department has announced it has received a “very special donation” of 100 children’s books written in the Ukrainian language.

The books, suitable for children aged from 0 to 15 years, will be available to borrow from any Fingal Library and it is hoped that they will provide comfort and joy to Ukrainian children and their families during their stay in Ireland.

On Friday, November 4, Fingal Libraries hosted a special event for local Ukrainian families at Donabate Library to officially mark the arrival of the collection across its network of 10 branches.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Howard Mahony opened the event and along with County Librarian Betty Boardman met with Edel Finn who donated the books to Fingal Libraries.

Edel Finn worked with Michael Baskin from the Ukrainian Crisis Centre of Ireland to deliver the books from the Ukraine to Ireland.

From her home in Odessa, Ukrainian author Tania Kostina chatted to the families and read from her children’s book ‘Look Up’.

The reading was followed by a fun arts and crafts session for the children and their families with artist Kim Jenkinson.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Howard Mahony said: “I am very pleased to attend today’s event at Donabate Library and meet with Ukrainian families as we celebrate this wonderful addition to our Library service.

“It is heart-warming to see the children engage with the Ukrainian language books which will provide a much-needed connection with their home.”

Fingal Libraries County Librarian, Betty Boardman said that “Fingal Libraries are committed to being an inclusive library service with respect and support given to all.

“We are hugely grateful to Edel Finn for kindly donating this wonderful collection which will complement our current book stock which contains a wide range of foreign language books and specialist on-line language learning tools.”

Edel Finn said she hopes the books can bring the children some comfort.

“As a mother of two small children, books have always played an important role in my children’s lives.

“When Ukrainians became displaced in Ireland because of the war, I wanted to offer something that could bring them not only comfort and a positive distraction but also a crucial connection with their language and their home.

“By providing Ukrainian language books to children here in Ireland, not only is the fundraiser preserving Ukrainian literacy, it is supporting Ukrainian publishers and authors and ultimately protecting Ukrainian culture, which I think is something that would resonate with Irish people.”