Türkiye's libraries flourish with record numbers in 2023
An interior view of Rami Library, which was previously a barracks, but then was converted into a library after a restoration work, Istanbul, Türkiye, Jan. 21, 2023. (Getty Images Photo)


The Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) released the 2023 "library statistics" on Friday, revealing that the number of operating libraries in Türkiye last year was recorded at 48,733. This includes 1 Presidential National Library, 1 National Library, 1,295 public libraries, 627 university libraries and 46,809 libraries in formal and non-formal educational institutions.

The total number of books saw a 32.6% increase compared to the previous year, with the Presidential National Library alone housing 2,532,299 books. The National Library's collection grew by 3.5%, reaching 1,689,166 books, while university libraries saw a 2.7% increase to 21,666,947 books. Public libraries experienced a 4.8% rise, totaling 24,204,501 books, and libraries in educational institutions surged by 56.9%, amassing 68,970,463 books.

Public library usage increased by 25.3% last year, with 33,561,919 people benefiting from their services. The number of registered members of public libraries rose by 11.2%, totaling 6,193,356.

Türkiye has 627 university libraries, comprising 477 state university libraries and 150 foundation university libraries. The number of e-books in university libraries increased by 23.4% last year, reaching 118,373,442. Membership in university libraries grew by 5.3%, with 4,199,285 members and non-book materials rose by 8.8%, totaling 1,662,552 items.

Additionally, 71,200 books were published in Türkiye last year. The total number of published materials increased by 18.4% from the previous year, reaching 99,025. Analysis of these publications shows that 29.9% were academic, 19.9% educational and 17.6% adult fiction.