Public library

While the Turkish Librarians Association has listed the most preferred books by library readers in 2023, the most borrowed book was author Jose Saramago's novel, "Blindness."

The Association will organize a series of events under the theme of "Sustainability and Advocacy" as part of the 60th Library Week, which will be held between March 25-31 this year.

The number of libraries in the country has surged by 43.4 percent in 2022, data by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) has revealed.

With a 1.7 percent rise, the number of libraries across the country has increased to 34,555 in 2021, the Turkish Statistical Institution (TÜİK) has declared.

In a statement issued on June 7, the institution listed, "There is 1 National Library, 1,252 public libraries, 612 university libraries and 32,690 formal and non-formal education institutions' libraries throughout Turkey."

The number of books in Turkish public libraries increased by 1.8 percent in 2020, compared to the previous year, to reach 21.1 million, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) has said.

The number of public libraries increased by 2.6 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year and reached 1,213, TÜİK said in a report.

A library in the northern province of Karabük, designed to resemble a row of giant books on a shelf, has been serving readers mostly online amid the coronavirus crisis.

The largest public library in the country resumed its work with readers on site in accordance with the established rules in the period of the emergency epidemic situation in strict compliance with the mandatory anti-epidemic measures. 

18% of the libraries in Bulgaria have never been repaired, and the worst is the condition of those part of traditional Bulgarian lyceums called Chitalishte in the small municipalities. More than 90 per cent of libraries have no Internet sites, and only 5 percent have online catalogs, according to a Global Libraries Foundation survey last year.

Sofia Library launches campaign "Books Come to You" with the mobile library "Bibliobus" (LibraryBus), the Press Center of Sofia Municipality announced, quoted by Investor.bg.

In recent years, the Metropolitan Library has opened new spaces of knowledge and information in the cultural infrastructure of Sofia, attracting young readers.

Libraries will remain open for longer hours, Culture and Tourism Minister Nabi Avcı has announced during Turkey's annual Libraries Week, noting that the extended opening times would first be rolled out in Istanbul.

Whether you are a book lover or not, you should definitely visit these spectacular libraries.

From Germany and UK to Japan and U.S., these libraries are worth visiting on your travels.

1. Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, Toronto