The Odesa National Scientific Library has secured the first place in the annual Goethe-Institut Ukraine competition among partner libraries. The German reading room was recognized for its vibrant cultural initiatives carried out throughout 2024. Library Director Iryna Biryukova shared insights about the project, participation, and victory with the media.

The German reading room was named the best among fifteen partner libraries of the Goethe-Institut in Ukraine. The recognition highlighted not only sustainability but also the diversity of events: from informative meetings and language courses to children's games, music, and new book releases.

As a prize, the Goethe-Institut presented a collection of books in Ukrainian from the "Best Book Design" series, along with new editions for the "German Shelf" — a permanent display of contemporary German literature.

Support and Partnership

Special acknowledgment went to the team and librarian of the German room, Viktoria Zayets, who had previously interned in Germany. The German reading room is part of a larger library network. Each year, a new space is highlighted, and this time, Odesa was chosen. However, according to Director Iryna Biryukova, the focus should not be on the title but on the ongoing progress:

"This is not about victory. It's about the opportunity to be useful to people and to change the world around us through knowledge."

Not Participation, but Daily Work

The victory in the competition was not an aim, as there was no conventional participation format, explained Iryna Biryukova. According to her, librarians simply did what they do best — organizing events, educational sessions, and cultural meetings, even during wartime.

"There was no specific competition we applied to. We were just doing our work. The project has been ongoing for 25 years: a tripartite agreement was once made between the library, the Goethe-Institut, and the "Bavarian House Odesa" organization. The latter provided the venue for meetings. The project then developed as we incorporated the library's available capabilities: staffing, space, and technical resources," Biryukova noted.

The director assured that the demand has not dwindled; on the contrary, it has increased: people seek knowledge, communication, and support.

A Bridge Between Cultures

Today, the German reading room is not just about language courses or bookshelves; it serves as a full-fledged space for intercultural interaction: featuring books, music, culinary arts, and traditions.

"This project is indeed much broader than mere library work or providing information services. It encompasses a deeper process: understanding culture in all its manifestations, the culture of the partner country through literature, music, and the exploration of intangible cultural heritage, such as culinary history," Biryukova explained.

Meetings are organized for people of all ages: stories are read to children, while discussions, training, and themed events are held for older audiences. And all of this is offered free of charge.