Books, bicycles, and three librarians: How mobile library is revamping access to reading in small Ukrainian community

What's the problem?

In many small Ukrainian towns, libraries are usually located in the town center, making them accessible mainly to those living nearby. Reaching the library can be a real challenge for residents in more distant neighborhoods. The journey can be long and time-consuming, and for those juggling busy work schedules and household responsibilities, finding time to visit the library feels like an added burden.

What's the solution?

The public library in the Ukrainian town of Bakhmach, in the northern Chernihiv region, has run a mobile library called the "Bike Library" for several years to promote reading and attract new users. Librarians load up bicycles with books and ride to the farthest corners of the town, introducing locals to new literature, works by contemporary Ukrainian writers, and magazines. They also share information about library services and events.

Rubryka spoke to Hanna Ivanko, the director of the public library in Bakhmach, to learn how the initiative came about and what its impact was on the community.

How does it work?

Today, the Bakhmach library, which has been around since the late 19th century, serves more than 2,000 readers. Yet, it's more than just a place to borrow books. The library hosts events and has opened a Digital Education Hub. During the summer, it invites visitors to relax in its blooming courtyard. The library staff always comes up with exciting ways to engage more residents and visitors in reading.

"Our work is focused on promoting reading, increasing demand for books, and boosting the library's popularity," says the library director, Hanna Ivanko. "The staff's willingness to adapt and work together has made the library essential to the community."

Bringing books to the people

​​​The Bike Library project was initiated in 2017 by the librarians, who felt the need to promote Ukrainian literature, introduce people to new books, and draw attention to the library. Director Hanna Ivanko recalls that the idea was simple even back then: to bring the library to those who don't usually visit. The bicycle idea came naturally — everyone on staff knew how to ride a bike. All they needed to do was buy some baskets for the books, and they were ready to go.

At the start of the project, Hanna Ivanko was part of the "bike squad" because she wanted to experience it firsthand, see how it worked, and test the idea. Since then, every summer, librarians Valentyna, Inna, and Vira have biked around town with books once a month. They say it's fun to connect with people this way and invite them to visit the library, and it's incredibly satisfying to introduce locals to new books. Most of the time, the "bike squad" heads to the parts of town where it's harder for people to get to the library.

According to the director, the squad usually packs around 50 books into their baskets, offering residents some of the best works by modern Ukrainian writers like Svitlana Talan, Serhiy Zhadan, Andrii Kokotiuha, Maks Kidruk, Volodymyr Lys, and many others. People usually find something that suits their taste. If someone can't decide right away, librarians are always there to help them choose. They also talk about new arrivals at the library, hand out brochures about library services, and invite new visitors to become regular readers.

"We take action: instead of waiting for people to come to us, we go to them — we meet passersby on the streets, near their homes. We don't keep a separate count of how many books we lend 'on the go,' but we give out a lot during each trip," says Hanna Ivanko, Bakhmach Library director.

Does it really work?

Hanna Ivanko says passersby are intrigued by the initiative. They enjoy seeing librarians on bikes and are drawn to the book baskets with mini-subscriptions. People find this helpful because they can borrow a book, newspaper, or magazine on the spot — thanks to the librarians who bring along reader registration forms. After reading, they bring back the books to the library themselves.

"We've had seven successful years of the Bike Library project. It has gained popularity, with positive feedback from the community," says the library director. "The Bike Library has helped attract new users. The librarians get energized and filled with positive emotions from the project, and after covering a distance of about 5 kilometers, they also get a good workout."

Every trip is like a bit of adventure. The librarians recall meeting an older woman carrying a bucket of apples. Seeing the librarians with books on bikes, she greeted them and treated everyone to her delicious apples. Another time, as they rode past a shop, they saw a clerk sweeping the sidewalk. They offered her a look at the books, and she jokingly said, "Buy some bread from me, and I'll take a book." So, a trade was made. 

What stands out the most are the readers who return books to the library and provide feedback for the librarians — those who were truly captivated and impressed by the books they were given.

Bakhmach Public Library is also improving access to reading for people with disabilities and older people. For them, the library runs a "Book Emergency Service," quickly delivering books and newspapers to homes and exchanging literature. Book requests are fulfilled as soon as they come in, whenever someone needs them. Visits from librarians include discussions about books and simple, friendly conversations.

Even more helpful solutions!

Besides the Bike Library, Bakhmach Library also runs another exciting project — the Sled Library. This mobile library started a year earlier than the Bike Library and operated before Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Then, librarians traveled through the town's snowy streets before Christmas to promote reading, carrying books in a special chest that one of the librarians found in her grandmother's attic. The library plans to keep this project going, although it depends on the weather and if it solves one issue — the sled broke. If librarians can find a new one, the Sled Library will continue its impactful work.

Library director Hanna Ivanko shares that thanks to the Bike Library and other projects, the staff and readers feel that the library is growing and keeping up with the times. However, like in every town in Ukraine, the library has faced challenges during the war. Between 2022 and 2024, the library decommissioned about 70,000 copies of hostile literature from the Soviet era as part of the law banning Russian imperial propaganda. Now, the biggest concern for the staff is replenishing the library's collection, especially with books for readers of all ages.

"Today, while we're fighting for our freedom and the entire country is suffering from enemy attacks, we continue to work," says Hanna Ivanko. "Books are a kind of weapon in the war against the enemy. That's why reading Ukrainian books is so important. Reading is a great way to take a break from daily hardships, calm down, and relieve stress. It's essential to read so that we can grow and become smarter. We really want Ukraine to be a reading nation!"