Despite the Devastation, Kherson’s Children’s Library Fights to Rebuild

Kherson’s Dnipro Seagull library, a cherished cultural hub for children, has been left in ruins after two Russian artillery shells struck it last month. The library, which has been a beacon of creativity and learning since 1924, was set to celebrate its centennial next year. However, the precision attack shattered not only the building’s structure but also a beautiful stained-glass panel featuring a soaring seagull, a symbol of the city.

Amid the destruction, there’s a glimmer of defiance. Among the library’s cherished collections were books donated by Ed Vulliamy, including works by his late mother, the beloved author Shirley Hughes. Remarkably, these books survived the blast, offering a small but poignant victory in the face of devastation.

As Kherson remains under siege, with its streets eerily empty, the community’s resilience is evident. The library, like many institutions in Ukraine, is struggling to rebuild, but its spirit persists, embodied in the survival of cherished memories and books that continue to tell stories of defiance and hope.