Bringing Books as Portals of Hope in Dark Times

The children of Ukraine are growing up during a time of war, loss, and uncertainty. They are living in impossible times; many have been displaced from their homes, many have lost one or both parents, friends and family members, pets and loved ones. Many have experienced the trauma of violence directly.

But if you look for the helpers, you will see them everywhere - the teachers and librarians and caregivers who stay here every day to support these children, encouraging their creativity, offering comfort and safety, and refusing to let their futures wither. Vinok Libraries adds its support by filling school and library shelves with high quality books in English and Ukrainian, and putting books directly into kids' hands.

It is often said that books are portals - they connect us to a deeper understanding of the world around us, to ourselves, and to each other. They give us hope. And we will bring this hope to these bright faces.

Our vision is to provide Ukrainian youth with books in both English and Ukrainian languages, to prepare them for a hopeful, integrated future.

How Vinok Libraries Works

Our organization connects with teachers and librarians to assess needs, and then fulfills requests with books that are physically donated, or purchased through monetary donations and contributions from the company Matchbook Marketing.

Books are then shipped or delivered to the requesting schools and libraries.

The books can be for the youngest of children all the way up through young adult. By working directly with the teachers to assess the types of books requested, we can work on curating our inventory to make sure we're getting the right book to the right reader.

"They brought us books. And along with the books – They made us feel like we are not alone."

--Galina, Klever People Club, Bucha, Ukraine

The Team

Matchbook Marketing is a marketing company that supports independent bookstores in the United States. Founded in 2014, Matchbook has created branding and logos, websites, graphic design, print and e-newsletters for hundreds of indie bookstores and the American Booksellers Association. The company wanted to connect its work to supporting children in Ukraine, and formed Vinok Libraries in late 2025, working with Hope and Action for non-profit status and oversight. Learn more at welovebooksellers.com.

Hope and Action's founding team of American volunteers began their journey assisting Ukrainian refugees with local and international partners. Today, they continue to support displaced people, refugees, domestic violence survivors, animals, and others at home and abroad through strategic and impactful partnerships. Hope and Action collaborates with other nonprofits and NGOs to run shelters, assist in evacuations, rebuild homes and infrastructure, rescue animals, and offer guidance. Learn more at hopeandactions.org.

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Bring the Power of Language and Story to Ukrainian Youth: Vinok Libraries

a partnership of Matchbook Marketing and Hope and Action