Kyiv is famous for its multilayered history and heritage, and its libraries are no exception. Find out more about the most interesting libraries in the capital, where readers can find unique publications and enjoy the impressive architecture

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Ukraine celebrates Library Day annually on September 30. To celebrate this day, nashkiev.ua has prepared a selection of various libraries in Kyiv, representing different eras and innovative approaches. 

We are telling you about the most interesting libraries in the capital that you should visit at least once in your life.

Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine

The Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine is one of the greatest national libraries in the world, founded more than a century ago, and the building itself was built in the late 80s of the last century. Having changed its name over the years, the library remains an important cultural center.

The library's collection includes more than 15 million books, and this volume is regularly updated with new editions. Every day, about 2 thousand visitors come to its reading rooms. Information about new acquisitions can be found on the official website, which gives readers the opportunity to follow the updates of the collection online.

The library building, which has 27 floors and is 78.6 meters high, impresses with its architecture. The interior is filled with works of fine art and sculptures. In the central lobby there is a monumental decorative panel "The Pain of the Earth", and the foyer is decorated with a tapestry-triptych "The Origins of Slavic Writing".

To move from one floor to another, readers should use a spiral ramp, where marble busts of prominent scientists, philosophers, and artists are placed.

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In the reading room, large round windows in the ceiling provide natural light. 

Anyone can get a library card by showing an ID and paying 60 UAH for a plastic card.

Address: 3 Holosiivskyi Avenue

Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 to 15:30, Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 to 17:30. Saturday and Sunday are days off.

Scientific and Technical Library named after G. I. Denysenko

One of the most prominent libraries is the Scientific and Technical Library named after G. I. Denysenko. Founded in 1898 as the Fundamental Library, it became the largest technical university library in Ukraine. Between 1941 and 1943, the library was partially damaged and looted. Since 1980, it has been serving readers in a new building on Knowledge Square.

The library was named after the rector of the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Hryhorii Denysenko, who initiated the construction of the parallelepiped-shaped building with the participation of representatives of the Kyiv Research Institute of Experimental Design.

The library's interior, though modest from the outside, hides its unique features. It is sometimes called the "Hogwarts of Kyiv" because of the staircase. Inside, you can see four panels by artist Volodymyr Pasivenko titled "Man and Nature," as well as various art zones and installations.

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It is important to note that during the martial law, the library temporarily does not serve outside users.

Address: 37 L Beresteysky Avenue

Opening hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 20:00.

Yaroslav the Wise National Library of Ukraine

The Yaroslav the Wise National Library of Ukraine is one of the largest and oldest book collections in Ukraine, founded in 1866 as a Kyiv public library, which it remained until the second half of the 20th century. The library was named after Yaroslav the Wise in 2016.

It has almost 5 million books on various subjects. Today, the library operates under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and enjoys the status of an architectural monument. Due to its location in the center of Kyiv, it plays a key role in the cultural life of the city and became one of the key objects during the Euromaidan in 2014.

Address: 1 Mykhailo Hrushevskoho Street

Opening hours: Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 18:00.

Pavlo Tychyna Library

The Pavlo Tychyna Library, located on the left bank of Kyiv, at Sheptytskoho Street, is a modern cultural center. The exterior of the building is strikingly picturesque, using yellow and blue shades and decorated with books and portraits of writers.

Inside the library, a cozy atmosphere has been created with numerous plants, soft poufs, sofas, and chairs for comfortable sitting. There are also reading rooms with computers and free internet access.

The librarians are friendly and always ready to help you choose the right books. In addition to traditional services, the library organizes various events such as movie screenings, meetings with writers, language and other courses. There is also a theater studio, and board games and even a PlayStation are available for children.

To become a library user, you just need to show your passport. 

Pavlo Tychyna Library

Address: 24 Metropolitan Andriy Sheptytskoho Street.

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday from 10:00 to 19:00, Friday from 10:00 to 18:00, and Saturday is a day off.

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Taras Shevchenko Central Library for Children

The Taras Shevchenko Central Library for Children, with a history of a century, remains an important book center in Kyiv. The library was founded in 1919 on the initiative of Pavlo Tychyna, who even worked as a librarian there. Now it is a modern space where you can take books home, read periodicals in the hall, or play board games.

In September 2023, a special department of board games was opened here, available for children of all ages and interests. In addition, the library has various interesting clubs and hosts various events, such as "Fairy Tale Breakfast", "Friday Night", and "Papercraft".

Address: 25-A Beresteysky Avenue

Opening hours: Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 19:00.

National Library of Ukraine for Children

The National Library of Ukraine for Children is a prominent children's library in the country, founded in 1967. The library building, designed by architects Mykhailo Budylovsky and Anatolii Tseitlin in 1976 in the modernist style, seems to have become a work of art in itself. It resembles an open book with elements of futurism and impresses with its architectural beauty.

Inside, you will find a number of artistic masterpieces, such as the semicircular glazed ceramic panel "First Printers", the room of fairy tales and flowers by Olga Rapai, as well as metal forged elements, colored stained glass and a hand-woven tapestry. The exterior of the library is decorated with an arch and a bronze sculpture of a boy with a book.

The library for children offers many interesting spaces, including a theater circle with a puppet theater, rooms for listening to music and speech development, a summer reading patio, and others. A baby room, assembly and computer rooms, a language club and a room with books in foreign languages make the library an interesting and educational place for children.

The library is open to children under 18 and their parents.

National Library of Ukraine for Children

Address: 60 Janusz Korczak Street

Opening hours: from Monday to Thursday from 8:30 to 17:30, on Friday from 8:30 to 17:00, on Sunday from 9:00 to 17:30. The day off is Saturday.

Svichado Central District Library

The Svichado Central District Library in Sviatoshynskyi district has been transformed into a renovated public space with special attention paid to the convenience of visually impaired people. Here you can enjoy not only books, but also a comfortable space for communication and interaction. The bright design of the premises, decorated in orange, yellow and green colors, makes the library an attractive place.

Central District Library "Svichado"

Address: 13-B Romain Rolland Boulevard

Opening hours: from Saturday to Thursday from 10:00 to 18:00, Friday is a day off.

We invite you to visit the unique corners of the Ukrainian capital and book a tour of Kyiv. Visit Ukraine offers more than 200 different tours of Ukrainian cities that can satisfy the needs and preferences of the most demanding tourists. By the way, you can go on your own individual tour with us, taking into account all your wishes and needs. Follow the link and choose the tour of your dreams, and we will do everything to make your trip truly unforgettable.

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