Mayor Johnson welcomes First Lady of Ukraine for “Ukrainian Bookshelf” opening
DALLAS—On Thursday, Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson welcomed the First Lady of Ukraine, Her Excellency Olena Zelenska, to Dallas for the opening of a “Ukrainian Bookshelf” at Dallas Public Library’s J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.
“It is truly an honor to welcome Her Excellency, First Lady Olena Zelenska for this important occasion,” said Mayor Johnson. “A wonderful new addition to our library, this collection will promote education and cultural exchange between Dallas and Ukraine and will endure as a meaningful symbol of the connection between our two communities.”
The “Ukrainian Bookshelf” project is an international initiative launched by First Lady Zelenska in 2020. It involves curating special collections of Ukrainian books in public and national libraries, cultural centers, and educational institutions outside of Ukraine. The initiative aims to promote Ukrainian literature, preserve the nation’s cultural identity, and foster cultural exchange between Ukraine and communities around the globe.
“The presence of a Ukrainian Bookshelf is an opportunity for the world to discover our authors and learn about Ukraine’s history from primary sources,” the First Lady emphasized.
 Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Gay Donnell Willis, and Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Olha Stefanishyna
These collections include classic Ukrainian literature, contemporary Ukrainian prose and poetry, children’s books by Ukrainian authors, translations of well-known Ukrainian works, and books about Ukraine.
The Dallas Public Library’s permanent collection will include both Ukrainian-language and English-language books to make the collection accessible to the Ukrainian diaspora and local readers.
“We are honored to welcome the First Lady and are deeply grateful for her generosity,” said Dallas Public Library Director Manya Shorr. “Dallas Public Library is proud to host the Ukrainian Bookshelf and share Ukraine’s literary heritage with our community. Placing this collection in an institution that is free and open to the public ensures that everyone—Ukrainian families and Dallas readers alike—can access these stories, learn more about Ukraine, and connect with our vibrant Ukrainian community here in Dallas.”
 J. Erik Jonsson Central Library is also currently home to the “Cultural Wonders of Ukraine” exhibit, which opened on January 23 and runs through April 30. In partnership with the Ukrainian American Society of Texas, the exhibit aims to educate the Dallas community about Ukraine and to share the beauty of its people and land. It showcases Ukrainian art, musical instruments, embroidery, textiles, pottery, wood carvings, jewelry, and more. As one of Dallas's Sister Cities, the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine is featured in the exhibit.
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