A SOMERSET library is officially twinned with a facility in Ukraine – and has been sharing cultural traditions over the festive period.

The Campus Library, in Weston, has been officially twinned with the Central Children’s Library in Kharkiv.

As a result, the libraries are set to grow their connection and exchange knowledge, initially by enjoying festive events that celebrate each other’s culture.

On November 19, The Campus Library signed a memorandum of agreement and officially twinned with the Central Children’s Library as part of a programme run by Libraries Connected, which has helped multiple library twinnings between UK and Ukrainian libraries.

Librarians in both countries have met virtually several times and are building a strong friendship, which is being cemented through festive events.

On December 6 – Saint Nicholas Day in Ukraine – the Central Children’s Library in Kharkiv held a party for local children, where they played British party games and ate British party food, and they also enjoyed an online visit from Santa in the UK.

And on Monday (December 23), the Holiday Club at The Campus held a Christmas party to celebrate Ukrainian culture and play Ukrainian games.

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member who is responsible for libraries, said: “The twinning of The Campus library in North Somerset and the Central Children’s Library of Kharkiv is wonderful news, and the two libraries are already building a fantastic friendship.

“This twinning provides an invaluable opportunity for us to develop joint initiatives, connect audiences and celebrate UK and Ukrainian literature and culture.

“We stand with Ukraine as a council, and I hope through this programme we can help provide moral support to Ukrainian library staff and their community during the continuing conflict.

“We look forward to a long, creative and fulfilling friendship with the Central Children’s Library of Kharkiv.”

Find out more about North Somerset libraries at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/libraries.