In the midst of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, organizations of all sizes have stepped up to meet the mental health and educational needs of young people by offering them English language instruction. These programs create safe spaces of hope and encouragement. But stretched resources compounded with the ongoing destruction of schools and libraries have left significant gaps in materials.

Vinok Libraries will provide high quality English language and bilingual books and supportive materials to these educational programs across Ukraine free of charge.

Our vision is to provide Ukrainian youth with the English language resources they need to prepare for a hopeful, integrated future.

How it Will Work:

Vinok Libraries will set up a distribution warehouse in Lviv, Ukraine and maintain an inventory of books and educational resources that range from beginning English readers to chapter books, graphic novels, children’s nonfiction, and novels for the more advanced student. Recipient organizations will go through a one-time screening process, and then be given a code so that they can place orders through the Vinok Libraries webstore that is tied to the warehouse inventory. They will also be able to make specific acquisition requests for materials that are not in stock.

These materials will be shipped or delivered via volunteers to the requesting organizations.

Inventory will be maintained through targeted book donation solicitations and monetary donations that will offset shipping costs or be used to purchase books directly either at wholesale prices or from Ukrainian bookstores, as appropriate. Every dollar donated will be used only for shipping or the purchase of books and educational resources, and every effort will be made to find affordable ways to transport donated books and supplies. Matchbook Marketing will also provide ongoing financial and staffing sponsorship.

Note: Matchbook will acquire US and UK-printed books by donation or wholesale purchase. Books that are published by Ukrainian publishers or distributed by Ukrainian bookstores will be purchased at retail cost, to support these vital businesses and Ukrainian youth at the same time.

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. 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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Building Libraries for English Learners Across Ukraine: Vinok Libraries

a partnership of Matchbook Marketing and Hope and Action