On Ukrainian Statehood Day, a regional online seminar titled “Reading as a Strategy for Recovery” was held, organized by the Donetsk Regional Children’s Library with the support of the Donetsk Regional State Administration. The event brought together library professionals from the region’s local communities for a professional dialogue on the new role of reading in the context of war and societal recovery.
The main theme of the seminar was reading as an effective tool for psychological and emotional support, social cohesion, and community development. Participants discussed modern approaches to promoting books, innovative library practices, working with different user groups, developing digital content, and creating safe spaces for communication, learning, and support.
This seminar served as a platform for exchanging experiences and was a true kaleidoscope of ideas. Representatives from libraries in the Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, Hrodivka, Lyman, Selidovo, Kostiantynivka, Sloviansk, Mangush, and Mykolaiv territorial communities participated in the presentation of successful practices for promoting reading. Each of these communities, despite operating under the challenging conditions of wartime, demonstrated unique initiatives—ranging from the creation of interactive and accessible digital projects to the launch of reading marathons and conversation clubs. The focus was on examples of promoting contemporary Ukrainian literature, bibliotherapy, book clubs, reading marathons, local history initiatives, digital projects, inclusive practices, and the use of modern media content to engage readers.
The seminar marked another step toward strengthening professional cooperation among libraries in the Donetsk region, sharing successful experiences, and implementing modern approaches to promoting reading. The exchange of ideas, practical best practices, and sincere professional dialogue once again confirmed that libraries today not only promote books but also help people find inner strength, unite communities, and remain vital centers of culture and resilience.