Ukraine's Libraries on the frontline!

Libraries hurled themselves into supporting Ukraine in its fight

Children and their families have taken refuge in bomb shelters like this one at the Central City Library for Children in Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine.

"It's really scary when schools, libraries, universities, hospitals, maternity hospitals, residential neighborhoods are bombed," Oksana Brui, who is the president of the Ukrainian Library Association, told NPR.

Citing civilian deaths and the Russian military's drive to take over nuclear power plants, Brui added, "This is very dangerous for the whole world."

Brui is among the Ukrainians who were taken by surprise when sirens rang out on Feb. 24 announcing Russia's invasion. While some of Ukraine's libraries have been destroyed by the fighting, she says that all over the country, libraries are "buzzing like hives," full of librarians, readers, refugees and volunteers.

"Refugee reception points, hostels and logistics points are organized here," she said. "Camouflage nets for the military are also woven here. Home care courses are held here. Books are collected here to be transferred to libraries in neighboring countries that receive Ukrainian refugees."

Watch the video HERE.

Public Librries of New Zealand, together with other library associations around the world has sent messages of support.