Archa1 mobile station for preserving library collections presented in Kyiv

This was reported by Espreso correspondent Kateryna Halko.

The Archa1 mobile station is equipped to clean documents of dirt, disinfect them, and carry out restoration work. It will play a crucial role in preserving rare manuscripts, books, and archival documents damaged during Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine.

“This station is designed for both restoration and conservation. The materials most in need of attention, those affected by water, fire, and temperature changes, will be processed here. We aim to restore paper and covers as much as possible to their original state, ensuring readability. Afterward, they can be stored under suitable conditions. This is the conservation process,” explained Oleh Serbin, General Director of the Yaroslav Mudryi National Library of Ukraine.

The Archa1 mobile station was donated by representatives of prominent cultural institutions in the Czech Republic.

“While we collaborate on military and technical fronts, we cannot overlook culture. Culture is vital. It is also a target of Russia’s aggression, as the enemy seeks to destroy Ukrainian heritage. If there is anything we can do to help preserve it, we will,” emphasized the Deputy Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ukraine.

Soon, the mobile station will operate across different regions of Ukraine. Currently, research is underway to assess the destruction and damage to library collections. According to Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Halyna Hryhorenko, 770 public libraries have been destroyed in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion. The Ministry and the National Library are now mapping out a route for the Archa1 mobile station.

“It will be deployed in Odesa, likely in Kharkiv, and our scientific library. However, for security reasons, we need to carefully evaluate each location. What is certain is that Archa1 will travel across Ukraine. It was created as a mobile station for this purpose. Right now, we are identifying where the most valuable collections are. Many have been evacuated from frontline areas and relocated. We must prioritize assistance and plan the route accordingly,” said Halyna Hryhorenko.

Archa1 operates autonomously, requiring only a connection to a water supply. Currently, training sessions are being conducted for colleagues in various regions, who will then be able to host and operate Archa1.

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