Last summer a munificent donor surprised the UEC with a large monetary gift. The restricted gift was to be used for significant facility and library improvements, changes for which we would normally not have funding. We were able to make several important improvements including renovating the dilapidated entryway shared with our neighbors and purchasing software and English Bibles for free distribution. After the Christmas break, we found a great deal on three couches to replace the broken and worn couches we have had since we opened. We also purchased several boxes of quality Russian and Ukrainian Bibles for distribution to interested patrons.

For the remainder of the funds our main hope is to improve the library. Since it is one of the major services we provide to the Kyiv community, we hope to be able to expand shelving space by buying a new shelving unit and moving older units. Since this need requires a custom order, we have encountered a number of problems in trying to get someone to build these units. One promises but never calls back. Another says yes but then a month later we are left with nothing but a hollow promise. Our hope is that by the summer we will have the new units. We also have plans to create a new storage space so that rarely used items can be moved out of the library and office to make more room.

We look forward to a much improved and larger library thanks to this generous donation.

Posted on June 19, 2007