• The European Investment Bank funds renovation of Korolenko city library through its EIB Early Recovery Program, enabling access to 270,000 books for local readers;
  • EIB supports Ukraine address key issues for quality life in the Donbass region - from connectivity to access to clean drinking water;
  • New facilities and upgrades such as lifts and heating system to enable even more people to access the new, modern library;

Official opening of the renovated Korolenko city library took place today in Mariupol.  Because of its importance for the educational and cultural development of the city, Mariupol Central Library was selected for funding under the EIB Early Recovery Program. Since December 2018, the restoration of the facade and roof insulation, and the cladding of the facade wall with Alucobond panels was conducted. Inside the building, electrical wiring installation with the installation of lighting fixtures and repair of interior facilities was completed.

Now, along with the traditional services for readers, there will also be an e-library.  Readers will be able to use e-books and tablets and will have opportunity to access world's electronic library (either through their gadget or by downloading material from the library) and download books to their device using QR code. 

Information booth will provide access to the library's electronic catalogue, as well as access to documents and mass media electronic databases. Additionally readers will be able to order hard copy books, by the end of the day, of the Mariupol catalogue of 270,000 books that are not physically held in the library premises.

Jean-Erik de Zagon, Head of the EIB Office in Ukraine, said: "This project is very special and unique in a way for us. Number of important infrastructure projects that we are implementing currently in Mariupol, are aimed at solving this region's present challenges – from connectivity to access to clean drinking water. Reconstruction of this library is no less important – it aims at ensuring the region's prosperous and successful future. Major renovation has turned this facility into a modern e-library with its limitless possibilities to access various sources of information, to study and gain new knowledge – which is vital for the further development of Mariupol and the Donbass region."

Vadym Boichenko, Mayor of Mariupol, said: “Since today Korolenko library will receive a new life. Jointly with the European Investment Bank and “SocialBoost” organisation we have not just renovated the building’s façade and conducted renovation inside, we have changed the very philosophy of this place. I am convinced that this place will become a new attractive focal point for the local youth. Through such modern format of the library we will cultivate reading habit among the local kids"

Notes to editors:

Mariupol public library was open at the beginning of the 20th century. Its collection has expanded over the time and today this library serves about 14,000 readers annually, providing access to over 270,000 books. The team of highly qualified specialists and library enthusiasts who work here has a vision of transforming the library into a modern facility with access to up-to-day modern information technologies, creation of a new information infrastructure, assistance services and most comfortable library environment for all categories of users.

The library was last renovated in 2003. Over this time, the condition of the library building has deteriorated significantly: the foundation was damaged, the electrical wiring network needed replacement as it could not cope with the existing load from electrical appliances, which created a life-threatening fire hazard. The heat supply system also needed to be replaced. There was no lift, which made it impossible for people with disabilities to visit the 2nd floor of the library. There was no bathroom on the first floor at all.