Public libraries as information and tourist hubs

The purpose of the article is to analyze the current state of public libraries of the Kherson centralized library system of the Kherson City Council and identify challenges and opportunities for their transformation into modern information and tourism hubs. The paper uses methods of analysis and synthesis to study theoretical and practical sources, a comparative method to study the experience of libraries as tourist hubs in different countries, as well as forecasting methods to determine the possibilities of transforming libraries of the Kherson centralized library system of the Kherson City Council. The analysis showed that public libraries in Kherson have significant potential for development in the field of information and tourism. At the same time, this potential is realized in conditions complicated not only by limited funding, outdated technical base and lack of personnel, but also by specific socio-political challenges of the region. In particular, this concerns the consequences of the temporary occupation, which include the lack of Ukrainian self-government and proper control over the library sector, as well as management gaps that affect strategic planning and development. The successful practices of Ukrainian and foreign libraries that effectively integrate educational, cultural and tourist components, creating interactive spaces, organizing excursions and cooperating with travel agencies, are studied. A number of challenges are identified, and ways to overcome them are proposed through innovative approaches, strengthening management mechanisms, attracting community resources and expanding partnerships at the local and national levels.