Windsor Public Library is proud to announce the expansion of its multilingual collection with the addition of 80 Ukrainian-language books, generously donated by the Consulate General of Ukraine in Toronto.

The donation was celebrated at the John Muir Branch, where Windsor Public Library CEO Jen Knights welcomed guests and dignitaries, including City Councillor Gary Kaschak, who attended on behalf of Mayor Drew Dilkens and City Council.

“This is a beautiful branch, and I can’t think of a better place to share the exciting news about the latest addition to our language library,” said Councillor Kaschak. “These books will enrich our collection and offer a comforting cultural connection for Windsor’s Ukrainian community.”

The donation is part of the Ukrainian Bookshelf initiative, launched in 2022 by Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska. Windsor now joins Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Mississauga, and Hamilton as Canadian cities participating in the project.

“This donation will allow Ukrainians living in Windsor to read more books in Ukrainian and maintain their connection to Ukraine, its language, history, and culture. I am particularly glad that among the donated books, there are volumes about Crimean Tatars, one of the Indigenous peoples of Ukraine, said Consul General Oleh Nikolenko. “The Ukrainian Bookshelf will serve as a cultural hub for the Ukrainian community, attracting both children and adults alike. I want to thank Councillor Kaschak, CEO Knights and her team for making this donation possible.”

“We have 10 branches across the city, offering diverse resources and programming to meet the needs of Windsor’s multicultural population”, said CEO Knights. “The new Ukrainian collection will be located at Muir to start but available for borrowing from any branch”.

Windsor Public Library has books in many languages, including thousands of picture books for kids in more than 90 languages, with English translation.