Introduction: Why Ukrainian Books Matter for the Diaspora in Spain
When you move thousands of kilometers away from home, it may seem that the hardest part is getting used to a new language, culture, and climate. But for Ukrainians living in Valencia or other cities in Spain, it is just as important to preserve their inner connection with their homeland. Here, books play a key role.
Ukrainian literature is not just about stories and plots. It’s about intonation, familiar words, humor understood only by your own people, and even the scent of paper that recalls cozy evenings at home with tea and a book. For the diaspora, books become small “islands of Ukraine” among Spanish streets.
In Spain, where Spanish and Valencian dominate, the opportunity to buy literature in Ukrainian is a true treasure. Even a single book in your native language can bring the feeling of home. This is especially important for children from Ukrainian families — they can learn and grow while reading Ukrainian fairy tales, comics, and educational books.
This is where initiatives like Booklya come in, creating opportunities to buy Ukrainian books in Valencia. And even more interestingly, you can find these books not in a traditional bookstore but… in a flower shop! This makes the literary experience even more special.
A Cultural Bridge Between Ukraine and Spain
A Ukrainian book abroad is more than just an item on a shelf — it’s a bridge between two cultures. When Spanish friends or colleagues see a Ukrainian book on your table, they ask, “What is it about? Who’s the author?” — and a conversation begins. That’s how a natural cultural exchange happens.
For Ukrainians, a book is a way to hold on to their inner identity. Reading works by Lina Kostenko, Andriy Kokotukha, or Serhiy Zhadan reminds us who we are and where we come from. And for children born in Spain, it’s a way to see that Ukrainian is not just a language from online school lessons, but also a language of exciting adventures, humor, and magical worlds.
Preserving the Native Language Abroad
Language is the foundation of culture. When Ukrainians live abroad, there’s a real risk that in daily life they switch to the surrounding languages. This is especially true for children: at school, outside, and during games, it’s Spanish — and only at home is there a chance to hear Ukrainian.
Ukrainian books help maintain language skills, enrich vocabulary, and develop proper pronunciation. And when reading becomes a family tradition, both children and adults gain double benefits — learning and warm shared memories.
That’s why having a Ukrainian book sales point in Valencia is more than just a business project — it’s a contribution to the cultural and linguistic identity of Ukrainians in Spain.
Booklya – A Ukrainian Bookstore that Travels with Its Readers
Booklya is not your typical shop with shelves where you come, choose a book, and leave. It’s a project that adapts to the needs of its readers. It appears wherever there are Ukrainians and brings the books they need.
The Story and Mission of Booklya
Booklya was born from a simple yet vital idea — to make Ukrainian books accessible to those living abroad. The founders realized that the diaspora often feels a shortage of native literature, and ordering from Ukraine can sometimes take weeks or even months.
Booklya’s mission is to unite Ukrainians around reading and to promote Ukrainian books in other countries. This is not only about selling literature but also about cultural diplomacy.
Book Selection – From Contemporary Prose to Children’s Fairy Tales
Booklya brings to Spain a wide variety of books:
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Contemporary Ukrainian prose — from gripping thrillers to romantic stories.
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Children’s literature — fairy tales, board books, interactive books with stickers.
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Ukrainian translations of world bestsellers — for those who want to read familiar stories in their native language.
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Classics — works by Franko, Lesya Ukrainka, Kotsiubynsky.
Thanks to this variety, everyone can find something for themselves — adults, children, and those just starting to discover Ukrainian literature.
Floreal – A Flower Shop Turned Literary Corner
In the center of Valencia, there’s a place where you can buy not only a stunning bouquet but also a Ukrainian book. Floreal is not just a flower shop — it’s a cozy space where flowers and books blend in harmony.
How Flowers and Books Create a Special Atmosphere
Imagine walking into a world of floral scents — vibrant roses, delicate lilies, exotic orchids — and right next to them, bookshelves inviting you to pick up a book, flip through its pages, and inhale that familiar printed paper aroma.
This combination creates a unique atmosphere — as if you’ve stepped into a small cultural corner of Ukraine amidst the floral beauty of Spain. Here, you can choose the perfect gift for any occasion: flowers for the mood and a book for the soul.
Shop Location in the Heart of Valencia and How to Find It
Floreal is conveniently located in the city center, easily accessible on foot or by public transport. And now, knowing that Booklya books are sold here, you can combine a walk through Valencia with a visit to this floral-literary haven.
📍 Floreal Store Link: Visit Website