The First International Bibliotherapy Conference in Ukraine Takes Place Next Week
The First International Bibliotherapy Conference in Ukraine Takes Place Next Week
On 11 and 14 November, Ukraine will host its first international scientific and practical conference, “Bibliotherapy. Reading That Heals: Practices of Support and Recovery During Wartime.” The event will bring together Ukrainian and international experts, representatives of library, education, culture and mental health communities, as well as everyone interested in how reading can support people.
The conference will take place in two parts: an online pre-conference on 11 November and the main event in Kyiv on 14 November, with an option to join online.
Bibliotherapy is already used in many countries around the world, but in Ukraine it is still not widely known or studied. At the same time, the full-scale war has increased the need for accessible ways to provide psychological and emotional support, help people restore their inner resources and work through difficult experiences. Reading and discussing books can be one of these tools.
This is highlighted by Tamara Sukhenko, the initiator of the conference, PhD in History, Associate Professor at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, facilitator and psychologist:
“In many countries, bibliotherapy is part of established support practices for people in different life situations. The necessary infrastructure is in place: there are bibliotherapy associations, universities offer courses, conferences are held, research is carried out and academic dissertations are defended. In Ukraine, this field needs more attention, research and professional development. That is why it is important to create opportunities to share experience, learn about international practices and explore how they can be used in the Ukrainian context.”
International Experience and Professional Exchange
The conference speakers include Ukrainian and international experts who study bibliotherapy and use it in their professional work. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about practices from different European countries, explore how reading can support people going through difficult times, and discuss the future development of bibliotherapy in Ukraine.
International participants, including librarians from different countries, will also join the conference. Their presence will create opportunities to meet colleagues, exchange experience and build partnerships between Ukrainian and international organisations and professionals.
Interpretation will be provided for presentations by international speakers, so language skills will not be a barrier to taking part in the discussions.
Taking Part in the Conference: What You Need to Know
The organisers thank everyone who has shown interest in the event and submitted an application. Preparations for the conference are now underway. Registered participants will soon receive emails confirming their participation and providing practical information.
Please check your inbox, including your spam folder, so you do not miss any messages from the organisers.
The conference aims to create a space for professional discussion about the potential of bibliotherapy, bring the professional community together and support the development of practices that use reading as a resource for support and recovery.
Registration for the conference is now closed. However, if you would like to join online, we still have 20 places available. Register here: https://forms.gle/3tegN7qN8dMRHeo89
The conference is organised as part of the Swiss-Ukrainian project “Acting for Health”, with the support of Switzerland and in cooperation with UNESCO.