Ukrainian libraries are experiencing a systemic crisis that encompasses four dimensions: salaries at subsistence levels, a rapidly aging workforce, chronic underfunding of collections and facilities, and an outdated evaluation system, according to the analytical report “The Systemic Crisis in the Ukrainian Library Sector and Ways to Overcome It” by the Network for the Protection of National Interests “ANTS.”
“Ukraine’s libraries are now on the brink of survival. Librarians’ salaries in 2026 range from 5,691 to 7,356 UAH; young people are hardly entering the profession, and nearly half of the staff are already in the 45–60 age group. If the situation does not change, many libraries risk being left without the staff needed to keep them running. But the problem goes far beyond low salaries. It concerns the loss of institutions that preserve our memory, support education, digital literacy, and community resilience,” the ANTS statement reads.
According to the analytical report, Ukrainian libraries are experiencing a systemic crisis that encompasses four dimensions: salaries at the subsistence level (in 2026, salaries range from 5,691 UAH to 7,356 UAH); the rapid aging of the workforce (as of the end of 2025, approximately 46.7% of library staff were in the 45–60 age group, while young people accounted for 9.3%); chronic underfunding of collections and facilities; and an outdated evaluation system that fails to recognize libraries’ real contribution to societal development.
The report also proposes a three-stage action plan, the first stage of which calls for reviewing librarians’ salary scales, conducting an audit of the staffing situation, and identifying a list of frontline libraries for priority support within the first 6 months.
In the second phase—from 6 to 18 months—the plan is to launch pilot projects for new funding models that grant institutions greater autonomy, update collections and equipment, and shift to evaluating libraries based on indicators of social and educational impact—rather than solely on the number of visits and books checked out.
In the final stage, over a 3-year horizon, the proposal is to scale up successful models and integrate libraries into broader programs for reading, digital literacy, and adult education.
“Raising salaries is a necessary first step, but it is not enough. Without institutional reform, greater financial autonomy for libraries, and new performance criteria, the system will remain stagnant. Ukraine can develop a modern library network. Implementing this strategy will transform libraries from loss-making budgetary institutions into an effective public service and infrastructure for the development of the entire country,” the ANTS emphasized.
As previously reported, in late May, Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture of Ukraine Tetiana Berezhna stated that the replenishment of library collections through co-financing with local communities could begin on July 1.
On June 22, Deputy Minister of Culture of Ukraine Bohdana Laiuk stated that she does not like the idea of transforming libraries into cultural hubs or cultural centers, and that she is also opposed to simply talking about closing libraries. At the same time, the deputy minister noted that there is currently no final decision on what the model for co-financing the replenishment of library collections with local communities will look like.
According to a study by the Ukrainian Book Institute (UBI), only 47% of local communities purchased books to replenish the collections of public libraries in 2025.
In April, a petition on the Cabinet of Ministers’ website calling for a review of librarians’ salaries did not receive the number of votes required for consideration.
