The “Lesia Ukrainka” Library of Ukrainian Literature and Culture in Chișinău Modernised with Support from People in Need

Published: Nov 9, 2026 Reading time: 3 minutes

The “Lesia Ukrainka” Library of Ukrainian Literature and Culture, a branch of the “B.P. Hasdeu” Municipal Library in Chișinău, has been inaugurated following modernisation works that have created improved conditions for reading, learning and cultural activities.

The “Lesia Ukrainka” Library of Ukrainian Literature and Culture in Chișinău Modernised with Support from People in Need
© Photo: Dmitrii Vosimeric

The event was attended by representatives of public authorities, members of the Ukrainian community in the capital, refugees from Ukraine, and folk ensembles whose performances, inspired by Ukrainian traditions, contributed to the festive atmosphere.

The modernisation was carried out by People in Need Moldova as part of a joint initiative with the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova, with funding from the SOS Ukraine fund. The fund is supported by generous donations from citizens of the Czech Republic, and the total investment in the library’s modernisation exceeded MDL 600,000.

(© Dmitrii Vosimeric)

The works included the renovation of the premises, the installation of new windows, the provision of modern furniture, and the decoration of the main hall with elements inspired by traditional Ukrainian motifs. Following the modernisation, the library offers a more welcoming environment, better suited to educational and cultural activities.

The “Lesia Ukrainka” Library provides members of the Ukrainian community in the Republic of Moldova, including people displaced from Ukraine, with an opportunity to preserve and nurture their language and culture while maintaining their connection with their country of origin. At the same time, it is open to the wider public, offering the local community an opportunity to discover Ukrainian literature, history, traditions and culture.

(© Dmitrii Vosimeric)
“The Republic of Moldova is a country where cultural diversity is a value, and Ukrainian culture is an integral part of our multicultural heritage. Promoting and celebrating this diversity contributes to building an open and solidarity-based society that respects the identity of every community,” said Dan Suruceanu, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Moldova.

On the occasion of the inauguration, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova enriched the library’s collection by donating a new batch of books. The donation will expand its Ukrainian literature collection and improve visitors’ access to books and other resources dedicated to the language and culture of Ukraine.

(© Dmitrii Vosimeric)

“May the ‘Lesia Ukrainka’ Library become a place where Ukrainian culture is preserved, promoted and shared with everyone who wishes to discover it. We also hope that this modernised space will become yet another symbol of friendship and mutual support between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova,” said Paun Rohovei, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova.

For people forced to leave their country because of the war, access to culture and the opportunity to preserve their identity are just as important as access to services and humanitarian assistance.

(© Dmitrii Vosimeric)

“Books have something truly extraordinary about them: they help us remember where we come from. At the same time, they help us get to know and understand one another better. I hope this library will become a space where Ukrainian and Moldovan children, as well as children of other nationalities, can discover one another’s stories and cultures, build friendships and learn together,” said Rafal Chibowski, Country Director of People in Need Moldova.
Established on 16 February 1991, the “Lesia Ukrainka” Library plays an important role in promoting Ukrainian cultural heritage in the Republic of Moldova. It is the only public library in the country dedicated entirely to Ukrainian literature and culture.
Author: Dmitrii Vosimerci, Communications Officer

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