The state program eBook continues to gain popularity among young people: over 279 thousand citizens have already taken advantage of the opportunity to receive funding for purchasing literature. The total amount of payments from the government has exceeded 256 million UAH, allowing young Ukrainians to acquire about 500 thousand books.
This is reported by Finway
Advantages of online purchasing and geography of demand
The majority of books under the eBook program are purchased through online stores — this channel accounts for 56% of all orders, while 44% of sales are made in traditional bookstores. The program is most actively used by residents of Kyiv, as well as the Lviv, Dnipropetrovsk, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Poltava regions.
Young people’s preferences: what Ukrainians are reading
Among foreign authors, there is the highest demand for young adult novels and thrillers. Top names include H.D. Carlton, Colleen Hoover, Penelope Douglas, and Tess Gerritsen. In the top ten most popular books purchased by young Ukrainians through the state program are “The Game of Cat and Mouse” (both parts), “You Are That Mountain,” “Walls in My Head,” “Man’s Search for True Meaning,” and “Atomic Habits.”
Among Ukrainian writers, the works of Serhiy Zhadan, Lina Kostenko, Max Kidruk, Illarion Pavliuk, and Andriy Kokotyukha are particularly popular.
“The eBook program is designed exclusively for citizens of Ukraine who will be or have turned 18 years old in 2025–2026. This year, the government allocates 998.40 UAH to each participant to replenish their personal library. All expenses are covered by the budget of the Ukrainian Book Institute.”
Participation conditions and limits on fund usage
Applications for participation in the program can be submitted within a year after reaching adulthood. However, the received funds must be used within three months from the moment they are credited to a special card. Money can only be spent on printed, electronic, or audiobooks in Ukrainian at partner bookstores of the program.
To apply, one must have a verified passport (ID card or foreign passport) and a tax number. Registration can be done in the “Diia” app (section “Services” → “State Assistance” → “eBook”). After the application is confirmed, a special “Diia Card” is opened at one of the partner banks.
Additionally, starting from May 7, payments under the “National Cashback” program have begun, within which nearly 4.8 million Ukrainians will receive financial assistance from the government.