Istanbul's Free Public Libraries

For those living in Istanbul or visiting the city for study, there are free libraries stocked with a plethora of books. These libraries are incredibly convenient for both academic pursuits and accessing works from favorite authors. Positioned across key areas of Istanbul, these libraries ensure that readers of all ages can easily find the books they desire. We've compiled a list of these libraries, which continue to grow, making books more accessible to the public.

Atatürk Library

Situated in Istanbul's Fatih district, this expansive library ranks among the city's largest. It boasts a unique archive comprising not only books but also periodicals. Regardless of your field of interest, you'll find a wide array of resources readily available. It's a treasure trove where manuscripts from the Ottoman era, maps, and works from the Republican period are housed together.

Şehir University Libraries (Beşiktaş - Göztepe)

Found in Beşiktaş and Göztepe, two of Istanbul's bustling districts, these libraries house an extensive collection of books and periodicals. Offering a contemporary, tranquil, and comfortable environment, the library welcomes everyone, whether you're a regular reader or a researcher. You'll encounter incredibly rare works here, making it a boon for thesis writers, researchers, and article preparers.

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Libraries

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Libraries, which have been steadily growing in number in recent years, stand as some of the city's most abundant libraries, with branches in almost every district. Featuring a vast archive of books and electronic resources, these libraries are a go-to option for those seeking extensive collections in Istanbul. Here's a list of districts where IBB libraries are located:

Ataşehir IBB Mehmet Akif Ersoy Library

Beykoz IBB Atatürk Library

Beykoz IBB Ali Emiri Efendi Library

Çekmeköy IBB Fatma Aliye Library

Kadıköy IBB Süreyya Opera Library

Kadıköy IBB Barış Manço Library

Maltepe IBB Namik Ismail Library

İBB Esatpaşa Library

Pendik IBB Orhan Veli Kanik Library

Sancaktepe IBB Samipaşazade Sezai Library

Ümraniye IBB Necip Fazıl Kısakürek Library

Bağcılar IBB Sabahattin Ali Library

Bağcılar IBB Orhan Kemal Library

Bahçelievler IBB Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Library

Bakırköy IBB Ahmet Hamdi Tanpinar Library

Başakşehir IBB Ziya Gökalp Library

Başakşehir IBB Mehmet Akif Ersoy Library

Beyoğlu IBB Atatürk Library

Beyoğlu IBB Ahmet Kabaklı Library

Esenler IBB Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Library - Esenler

Fatih IBB Şehzadebaşı Library

Fatih: IBB Hacı Bektaş Veli Library

Gaziosmanpaşa IBB Yunus Emre Library

Güngören IBB Yahya Kemal Beyatlı Library

Kâğıthane IBB Samipaşazade Sezai Library - Kâğıthane

Küçükçekmece IBB Metin And Library

Sarıyer IBB Rıfat Ilgaz Library

Silivri IBB Atatürk Library - Silivri

Sultangazi IBB Fuzuli Library

Şişli IBB Halide Edip Adıvar Library

Zeytinburnu IBB Aziz Nesin Library

Adalar IBB Büyükada Library

Büyükada IBB Heybeliada Library

Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism Libraries

There are 7 libraries associated with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism. Providing a modern and comfortable workspace, these libraries offer numerous resources for studying, researching, and thesis writing. Here's where you can find them:

Beyoğlu: Atatürk Library, Ahmet Kabaklı Library, Fatih Hoşdere Public Library, Süleymaniye Manuscript Library.

Fatih: Hacı Bektaş Veli Library, Şehzadebaşı Library.

Esenler: Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Library.

The libraries within the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism operate from 09:00 to 17:30 on weekdays.

Istanbul Airport Library

Istanbul Technical University, T.R. The Airport Library, a joint project of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and İGA, continues to serve airport employees and passengers since its official opening on October 4, 2019. The Istanbul Airport Library collection, a first in Turkey, includes nearly 2000 books in different styles that can appeal to all segments of society. Moreover, you can return the books you bought from Istanbul Airport to any public library in Turkey.

The library also supports the reading culture with rich services such as a special reading area for children, e-books, audio/accessible books and stories that can be printed from touch screens, while also making a significant contribution to the promotion of the country.

Atatürk Airport Public Library

Another library boasting a comprehensive archive is the Atatürk Airport Public Library. Situated in Istanbul's Bakırköy district, this public library commenced its operations in 2016. One notable feature is its round-the-clock accessibility, open 24/7. With a vast collection, it also caters to children with special sections and provides facilities for disabled citizens.

Becoming a Member of Istanbul Libraries

To access any desired book, you can easily become a member of these libraries, which offer their services free of charge. Membership procedures are straightforward. Simply bring your ID, proof of residence, and a photograph. Once you're a member, you can avail yourself of the library's services and access its archive at no cost.

Library amenities include book lending, electronic resource access, computer usage, reference services, information services, events, studies, workshops, and periodic training programs. The network of free libraries facilitating access to diverse information resources is expected to expand continually.