Maidan Library: the Way From the Revolutionary Reading Room to the Library of the Museum of the Revolution of Dignity

Maidan Library is a public initiative that originated within the walls of the Ukrainian House on January 26, 2014, as a «place of mind». The goal wasto be a place on the Maidan where people read, think, speak and renew spiritually.The initiative of a few volunteers to do a good thing for the people on the barricades developed into a unique social and cultural phenomenon that hasunited the entire country. From the earliest days the Library received spirited support from both the peaceful protesters, and from Kyiv people whichactively were bringing to the Ukrainian House a huge ammout of books.In fact, at once the Library has become a nationwide platform for the collection and sending of literature, with charitable movement «100 books forrural libraries” involvement. During 6 months of active work has been received as a gift from the citizens, publishers and authors over 20 thousands ofbooks. There were thousands of books sent to rural libraries throughout Ukraine, including cities from where came Heroes of Heaven Hundreds (NebesnaSotnia). The total number of libraries are – 250.From the first days of beginning Maidan Library became a cultural and educational space were musical and poetic readings, cultural lectures andmeetings with famous Ukrainian writers happen (at that time the Library visited Vasyl Shkliar, Yuriy Andruhovych, Antin Muharsky, Irena Karpa, SashkoLirnyk, Mila Ivantsova, Lev Skop etc.).Now the Maidan Library is a part of the National Memorial to the Heavenly Hundred Heroes and Revolution of Dignity MuseumThe Maidan Library format that has risen in terms of Revolution, testified to it social necessity and the establishment of new values.