The history of the foundation of the Chernihiv Regional Library for Youth

 

Chernihiv Regional Youth Library is a specialized institution that addresses the issues of youth upbringing, education, social adaptation, and the organization of leisure activities for the younger generation.

The institution's mission is to create conditions for the realization of the rights of young citizens to free access to information and knowledge, as well as to attract them to the treasures of national and world culture, science, and education stored in the library.

Chernihiv Regional Youth Library was established on February 1, 1978. The library was initially provided with a adapted premises covering an area of 213 square meters at 63 Shevchenko Street. In 2018, the library acquired an administrative building with an area of 253.6 square meters at 54 Shevchenko Street, significantly improving its working conditions.

Both buildings are registered as local historical and cultural landmarks. The main library building at 63 Shevchenko Street is an ancient structure built in the Gothic style and adorned with stained glass windows. It is recognized as an architectural monument of local significance from the late 19th century. Prior to becoming a library, this building housed a museum collection donated to the city by the philanthropist Vasyl Tarnovsky Jr.

The wooden building in the "modern" style at 54 Shevchenko Street is also a local historical landmark known as the Svidersky House, constructed in the late 19th century.

The library's modern structure comprises five functional departments: collection development, document cataloging and preservation; scientific-methodological work and information-bibliographic activities; reading room; subscription department; and information technology and electronic resources department. Additionally, there is a department for material and technical support and an accounting service.

In 2013, Chernihiv Youth Library implemented a project to connect individuals with disabilities to the Internet.

In 2015, the library opened a modern multimedia co-working center and established a digital hub equipped with new technology.

In 2018, the library implemented the "Library Art Center" grant project, creating an artistic platform for creative youth initiatives. During the project, exhibition halls, a lounge, and an art studio were equipped, hosting personal exhibitions by young professional artists, interactive lectures on art and theater history, video presentations on art literature, film screenings about prominent artists, and cultural and artistic journeys, all of which became accessible to everyone through the Internet. 

In the following years, the library implemented other interesting projects, but the war changed everything.