Launch of the Second Ukrainian Bookshelf in Santiago
The Municipal Library named after Gabriela Mistral in Santiago, Chile, has introduced its second Ukrainian Bookshelf. This initiative, led by Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska, aims to spread awareness of Ukrainian literature, history, and culture worldwide. Local Chilean writers have joined the effort, and the Ukrainian Embassy donated nearly thirty books spanning various genres, many of which focus on Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
This new Ukrainian Bookshelf is located in the Ñuñoa district of Santiago, while the first one was unveiled in April 2025 in the Las Condes district. The project operates under the patronage of Olena Zelenska and is supported by Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy, and the Ukrainian Book Institute. Such cultural outreach projects are vital in fostering international understanding amid Ukraine’s current struggles.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Chile contributed almost thirty diverse books to the library’s collection, with a significant portion highlighting Ukraine’s resistance to Russian aggression. Additionally, several works by Chilean authors translated into Ukrainian are included. Ukrainian Ambassador to Chile, Yurii Dudyn, and his wife Marina Dudina attended the opening ceremony.
Promoting Cultural Exchange and Supporting the Ukrainian Community
The library honors Chilean poet and Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral. The embassy presented two Ukrainian-language editions of her works—one to remain in the library's permanent collection and another for readers to borrow. Daniela Torres, the Ñuñoa municipal administrator, warmly welcomed event attendees.
Journalist Juan Vallejos donated two copies of his book "Chronicles from the War in Ukraine" and announced an upcoming fiction work inspired by Ukraine. Professor Manuel Feres Hil, co-editor of "Discovering Ukraine: Its People, History, and Culture," also gifted his publications to the Ukrainian Bookshelf.
Designed as a cultural bridge, the Ukrainian Bookshelf aims to introduce Ñuñoa residents to the rich literary and historical heritage of Ukraine while serving as a connection point for the local Ukrainian community. Ambassador Dudyn emphasized the resilience behind this initiative:
“Despite Russia’s attempt to erase Ukrainian books—destroying over 12 million copies in recent months—we are committed to ensuring international readers can discover Ukrainian literature. For every effort to erase our culture, we respond by opening new Ukrainian bookshelves, even thousands of kilometers away from Ukraine.”
The embassy’s statement further highlighted the project’s mission:
“The Ukrainian Bookshelf is envisioned as a vibrant space where Ñuñoa’s residents can engage with Ukraine’s literature, history, culture, and contemporary perspectives. It also serves as a vital link to the homeland for the Ukrainian community here. Protecting books means safeguarding memory, and sharing them allows that memory to live on.”
The establishment of this second Ukrainian Bookshelf in Chile marks a significant stride in promoting Ukrainian culture internationally, especially during ongoing conflict. Beyond introducing Chileans to Ukraine’s literary world, the project provides a valuable platform to support the Ukrainian diaspora in Chile. Initiatives like this play a crucial role in preserving cultural memory amid adversity while fostering openness to new ideas through cultural exchange.