In April 2010 a group of six Ukrainian librarians came to Chicago to learn about American library and educational systems. The delegates were selected by the Open World committee who since 2005 had sent more than 10,000 delegates to U.S.A.

ICEA, the hosting organization, headed by Larisa Koval, president, had designed the program in which the delegates had an opportunity to visit local libraries, schools and businesses, learn from their experiences, share their own and get inspired with new ideas.

Among Chicago libraries the group visited Northwestern University Library, Indian Trails Public Library, Schaumburg District Library, Chicago Public Library, Palatine Public Library, Harper College Library and others.

The delegates also met with Jim Schwantz, mayor of the city Palatine, and Konstantin Kudryk at the General Consulate of Ukraine in Chicago.

At the end of the 10-day program, each delegate took home a certificate of graduation, “READ” poster with their photos on it from Indian Trails Public Library District (made only for celebrities) and, of course, tons of pictures, memories and new ideas. Among those ideas was creating a section of Ukrainian language literature at some of the American libraries, which is yet to be seen.

More photos in Photo Album.

The program was designed by Larisa Koval, PHD, president of ICEA, member of Ukrainian Academy of Science.

For more information and to participate in the similar program, please email: larisa_koval@hotmail.com