Kyiv has at least three English-language libraries for those who don’t want to buy their reading material.
Freud House
An English-language library with more than 300 books was opened in the Freud House co-working space near Kontraktova Square in 2013 by the Open School of Journalism, a partner of the Freud House. The books are available to all visitors. The library has such classics as “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. The non-fiction books are mostly about journalism. Sometimes visitors bring their own books to add to the collection. People can check out books for up to two weeks, with a phone number and a promise to return the item or bring another one. But 10 percent of the books are not returned.
Freud House (21 Kostyantynivska St.). Hr 36 per hour or Hr 108 for an unlimited time
American Library at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
The American Library has existed since 1998. It is named after its founder, Viktor Kutasty, professor of National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and the first director of the America House in Ukraine.
Ukrainian-American Kutasty lived and worked in Ukraine from 1992 until his death in 2000. After his death, the American Library was renamed to honor his deeds as a lecturer, academic and other activities.
The American Library is a public department of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Scientific Library. Sponsored by the U.S Embassy in Ukraine, the library boasts more than 800 books, including rare editions, modern fiction and classics, as well as microfilms and periodicals. The library is divided into three zones – green (where visitors can eat, talk, and watch videos), yellow (where speaking is allowed but eating is forbidden) and red (for reading and research only). A first-time visitor should bring a passport. The one-time fee for a library card is Hr 100. For registered Kyivans, it is free.
American Library at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (9 Voloska St.). Hr 100 registration fee
British Council Library
The British Council has a library for its students and professors. It doesn’t allow visitors to take the books home with them, but it has a comfortable reading hall where one can enjoy English classics and modern fiction, magazines and newspapers. There is also free Wi-Fi.
British Council (12/4 Voloska St.)
