The Best Libraries in Istanbul for Book Lovers

For those seeking a library in Istanbul, the city offers numerous options that stand out with their historical charm and modern designs. From libraries with Bosphorus views to cultural heritage buildings, from art-focused collections to modern workspaces open 24/7, these new-generation libraries cater to different needs and offer a unique reading and learning experience for students, researchers, and book lovers. If you are ready to explore the best libraries in Istanbul, check out our list!SourceOpened in 2023 by Beykoz Municipality, Yalı Library stands out with its seafront location on the Bosphorus coast. Equipped with modern workspaces and open 24/7, this special place can host 120 people at the same time. Visitors can benefit from this unique environment at any time of the day with the appointment system.Address: Merkez Mahallesi, Kelle İbrahim Caddesi; Beykoz/IstanbulSource: Beykoz BelediyesiLocated at Istanbul's historic Kadıköy Pier, this library was opened on 26 April 2023 as part of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's new generation library vision. With an area of 480 square metres and a capacity of 170 people, the library opens its doors to book lovers with 8,000 works in various fields such as literature, art, history, urban studies, philosophy and architecture.Address: Caferağa Neighbourhood; Kadıköy/IstanbulSource: Atatürk KitaplığıRami Library, located in Eyüpsultan district, combines the restoration of the historical Rami Barracks dating back to the mid-18th century with the modern librarianship approach. The building, which has an important place in the science, art and cultural life of Istanbul with its ‘living library’ concept, was redesigned under the consultancy of Han Tümertekin. In addition to being the largest library in Istanbul, the Rami Library was also one of the 19 finalist projects in the 16th edition of the Aga Khan Architecture Award.Address: Yeni Rami Mahallesi, Rami Kışla Caddesi, No: 98/1; Eyüpsultan/İstanbulSource: Rami KütüphanesiAtatürk Library, which was first established in 1924 under the Şehremaneti (Istanbul Municipality) on the initiative of Osman Nuri Ergin, has been serving under its current name since 1981. This centre, which is affiliated to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Directorate of Libraries and Museums, is an important reference source for local and foreign researchers with more than 500,000 works. As of 5 September 2022, the library, which operates as a research library, draws attention with its rich event calendar.Address: Gümüşsuyu Mahallesi, Miralay Şefikbey Sokak, No: 6; Beyoğlu/İstanbulSource: Atatürk KitaplığıThis library, launched by Cem Hakko to honour the memory of Vitali Hakko, the founder of Vakko, brings art and fashion together. One of the most up-to-date and comprehensive art libraries in Turkey, the Vitali Hakko Creative Industries Library appeals to a wide audience, from academics to art enthusiasts.Address: AKM Gümüşsuyu Mahallesi, Mete Caddesi, No: 2; Beyoğlu/İstanbulSource: Gazete OksijenThis library, which was established for researchers who want to work on Istanbul, contains various sources from the Ottoman, Republican and Byzantine periods. Despite its rich archive, there is no book borrowing application here.Address: Meşrutiyet Caddesi, No: 47; Beyoğlu/IstanbulSource: GezelimÇubuklu Silolar, the industrial heritage of Istanbul, was restored by IBB Heritage and transformed into a library and cultural centre. This library, which offers the opportunity to read and study books with a view of the Bosphorus, promises Istanbulites an experience full of art, science and culture with its 12,500 works and multi-purpose units.Address: Çubuklu Mahallesi, Şehit Ersin Güner Caddesi; Beykoz/IstanbulSource: Atatürk KitaplığıOpened on 3 August 2022 in the Cennet neighbourhood of Küçükçekmece, this library redefines the traditional library concept. Attila İlhan Library, which has a capacity of 100 people in an area of 375 square metres, hosts workshops focused on literature, art and history, while allocating a special place to the poet's works.Address: Cennet Mahallesi, 2nd Yavuz Selim Caddesi, 24/2-3; Küçükçekmece/İstanbulSource: Atatürk KitaplığıAtaköy Baruthane, one of the rare buildings that survived from the Ottoman period, was restored and re-functionalised as Baruthane Library under the leadership of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Serving in a two-storey building, the library brings together literature, history, architecture and art lovers with its collection of 8,000 books, museum, exhibition, concert and event spaces.Address: Atakoy 2-5-6. Kısım Mahallesi, Rauf Orbay Caddesi; Bakırköy/İstanbulSource: Atatürk KitaplığıLocated at Beşiktaş Pier, one of the busiest points of Istanbul, this sea-view library offers a rich reading and working experience with its book-café concept. Its collection of 5,000 books includes current works from different disciplines. It also contributes to the cultural life of Istanbul by hosting various cultural events.Address: Besiktas Pier; Besiktas/IstanbulSource: Atatürk Kitaplığı

Best Libraries in Istanbul: Top Spots for Book Lovers and Researchers

1. Yalı Library

2. IBB Kadıköy Pier Library

3. Rami Library

4. IBB Atatürk Library

5. Vitali Hakko Kreatif Endüstriler Kütüphanesi

6. Istanbul Research Institute Library

7. IBB Çubuklu Silolar Library

8. IBB Attila İlhan Library

9. IBB Baruthane Library

10. IBB Beşiktaş Pier Library

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