March 2022. The windows of the library tremble from the explosions. Liubov Shchebetko, head of the library in the village of Klavdiievo-Tarasove in Kyiv region, hastily hides the flag, photos of fallen heroes, and the equipment.

On February 24, 2022, she was supposed to go to work. But instead of her usual library routine — explosions, her son’s tears, and fear. The family stayed in the village. Her son helped with logistics, made lists, provided milk for infants, and helped launch a bakery. Her daughter, together with neighbors, went door to door to check who had left and who had stayed. And Liubov Viktorivna cooked dumplings, meat patties, and hot soups — not only for her own family, but for everyone who needed at least a bowl of soup.

When news came that russian soldiers might enter the library, she rushed there — despite fear, shelling, and prohibitions. Her heart ached: inside were portraits of local ATO heroes, flags, information about defenders, and unique photographs collected for patriotic events. In just a few minutes, she was hiding everything in boxes and bags.

The most tragic moments for Liubov Shchebetko are the losses. One of her son’s closest friends was killed — he stepped on a mine. The night before, he had stayed at their home. Liubov recalls those events with trembling — as something unspeakably painful, as a personal wound.

In December 2022, the library in Klavdiievo-Tarasove officially reopened — as a renewed, modern cultural space. For both children and adults. It now hosts meetings with writers and local authors, workshops for schoolchildren and kindergarteners, open access to high-quality contemporary Ukrainian literature, and serves as a platform for creativity, support, and mutual assistance.