Istanbul Becomes Global Hub for Library Transformation at 3rd International Library and Technology Festival
Istanbul, April 3 – The 3rd International Library and Technology Festival, held as part of the 62nd Library Week events, officially commenced at the Rami Library, marking Istanbul as a crucial international meeting point for librarianship and technology. The festival, organized by the General Directorate of Libraries and Publications of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is centered around the theme of “The Healing Library” and has attracted library leaders and information professionals from 6 continents and 15 different countries.
The opening ceremony took place in the Hakkı Tarık Us Hall of the Rami Library. Gökhan Yazgı, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, inaugurated the festival, emphasizing the evolving role of libraries. “We have now transformed our libraries into living centers where research is conducted, creative ideas are developed, artistic activities are carried out, and education and social interaction proceed together,” Yazgı stated in his address. Sharon Memiş, a representative of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), also delivered a speech at the opening.
New Collaborations and the Changing Role of Libraries
A key focus of the festival is to strengthen international collaborations. The National Library is set to sign new memoranda of understanding to foster these partnerships. Workshops organized in conjunction with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) will facilitate the development of new collaborations within the sector.
The festival aims to highlight the changing role of libraries, moving beyond mere access points for information to become centers of learning, production, and social interaction. The “Healing Library” approach introduces a new perspective that contributes to individual and societal well-being.
Technology and Innovative Practices at the Forefront
The event offers a comprehensive program including academic sessions, technology experience zones, workshops, and a fair. Librarians, entrepreneurs, and private sector representatives will converge on a single platform to discuss and promote R&D and innovation-focused initiatives.
With an expected attendance exceeding 25,000 participants, the festival aims to expand its impact even further this year. Its objectives include making the social value of libraries more visible, contributing to the widespread adoption of innovative practices, and enriching the cultural life of cities.
Significant Growth in Library Usage and Infrastructure
Deputy Minister Yazgı also highlighted the substantial progress made in library development. “Public libraries are one of the strongest pillars of our social life with the public services they offer. These spaces, where knowledge is stored and shared, have evolved beyond mere information storage areas to play a critical role in the intellectual and cultural development of societies,” he explained.
He further elaborated on the government’s efforts to enhance accessibility and service quality, aiming to make libraries a natural part of daily life and to foster a reading culture within society. Yazgı noted that library usage areas have dramatically increased from 325,000 square meters to approximately 800,000 square meters in the last 8 years, with seating capacity growing from 97,000 to about 160,000. The goal is to reach 1 million square meters by the end of 2026.
Record-breaking figures were also reported for library membership and book collections. By the end of 2025, the number of members in public libraries under the Ministry is projected to reach 7.1 million, users to 39.2 million, and the total number of books to 26.1 million, setting all-time records in these areas. This growth is attributed to the opening of over 200 new and renovated libraries in the last three years, significant expansion in indoor usage areas, enriched book collections, and intensified technology usage. In 2025, libraries hosted 33,845 cultural, artistic, educational, and literary events with the participation of 1,935,186 people.
National Digital Library Project and Accessibility for the Disabled
Efforts are also underway to prepare the National Library, which serves as the national memory of Turkey, for the new era. This includes improving its digitalization infrastructure and machinery park, and accelerating digitalization efforts. The National Digital Library Project, designed to significantly contribute to cultural life and enhance access for researchers, is being rapidly expanded. The National Library and Rami Library are being utilized as incubation centers for R&D and product development in the use of artificial intelligence in library services, with successful projects being disseminated to public libraries.
Accessibility for citizens with disabilities is another priority. The number of libraries equipped with services such as in-library audio and iconographic navigation systems for visually and hearing-impaired users, audio book collections for the visually impaired, sign language translated video book applications for the hearing impaired, wheelchair charging stations, Braille books, screen reading programs, and embossed screen note-taking devices is continuously increasing.
International Recognition for Turkish Libraries
In 2024, the Banaz District Public Library, Turkey’s first agricultural library, was among the top 5 libraries worldwide in the IFLA Green Library Awards. This year, the Burdur Provincial Public Library was selected among the top 7 libraries globally in the Large-Scale Projects category of the same competition.
Deputy Minister Yazgı also announced that the Rami Library has been selected among the top 8 libraries worldwide in the “large projects” category of the 11th IFLA Green Library Awards for 2026. He expressed his strong belief that the Rami Library, a significant cultural transformation project that converted a historical military barracks into a library, is a leading candidate for this award due to its inspiring library services and sustainability initiatives.
“All these successful endeavors are realized through the devoted efforts of our highly valued librarians and thousands of employees from various professional groups. We have determined ‘The Healing Library’ as the main theme of this year’s Library Week and the 3rd Library and Technology Festival. This will also be one of the main themes of our service strategies during this period,” Yazgı concluded.
Source: Sabah.com.tr
