Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania
PUBLIC APPEAL TO THE WORLD COMMUNITY OF LIBRARIES REGARDING THE SOLIDARITY INITIATIVES WITH THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE
The morning of 24 February brought the shocking news of Russia starting a massive attack against Ukraine. The Ukrainian people have been sacrificing their lives and heroically defend their country against the aggression of the Russian Federation. The communities of the national libraries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia resolutely condemn the attacks on Ukraine and stand in solidarity with the aspiration of the Ukrainian people to live in a free, independent and democratic Ukrainian state, guided by European fundamental values. We support the desire for freedom of Ukrainian citizens and invite all libraries in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Europe and around the world to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and to contribute to Ukraine’s victory in every possible way, i.e. providing financial donations and moral support. Our help is crucial for a free and independent Ukraine.
We appeal to international organizations representing and uniting libraries and scientific organizations: CENL (Conference of European National Libraries), EBLIDA (European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations), IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions), CDNL (Conference of Directors of National Libraries), LIBER (Association of European Research Libraries), NAPLE (National Authorities on Public Libraries in Europe), Public Libraries 2030, SPARC Europe and ALA (American Library Association) to immediately and explicitly condemn the aggression of the Russian Federation on Ukraine. We also call to suspend the membership of the Russian Federation in all international library organizations.
We all share common goals and values, and we commit to continue creating an inclusive information and cultural space that is free from misinformation, lies, hatred and war, and open to all. Let us use all tools at our disposal to win the information warfare. Libraries mean freedom. Libraries are the gateway to the future.
We all must and can contribute to strengthen democracy. All responsible people must understand that if we do not stop Russia’s impertinent aggression in Ukraine, everyone would find themselves in the face of calamity.
The slogan of the Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov For Your Freedom and Ours! is more relevant than ever.
Janne Andresoo, Director General of the National Library of Estonia
Prof. Dr. Renaldas Gudauskas, Director General of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania
Andris Vilks, Director of the National Library of Latvia
