Libraries in Türkiye welcome people of all ages, including babies

Libraries in Türkiye are redefining their roles by creating spaces tailored to the developmental needs of young children. The Gaziantep’s Library for Babies and the Denizli 100th Anniversary Public Library are two outstanding examples of this trend.

These institutions focus on fostering literacy and cognitive skills from a very early age, offering innovative programs for babies and toddlers.

Turkish library in Gaziantep attracts thousands young members

Gaziantep’s Library for Babies has quickly become a favorite destination for families. Designed specifically for children aged 0-5 years, the library offers workshops that promote language development, sensory integration, rhythm and motor skills.

Additionally, the facility features a special room where children’s milestones, such as birthdays, are celebrated. These developments show the innovative approaches that libraries in Türkiye are adopting to engage young children.

Gaziantep’s Library for Babies’ manager Ayse Gulsah Ozer emphasized the significance of this library, stating, “Our library is the first of its kind in Gaziantep, and it provides education for children aged 0-5 years. We offer various workshops, including language development, sensory integration, and music.”

She further mentioned that the response from the community has been overwhelming, with over 10,000 children enrolled in just six months. “Children are very happy when they come to the library. We see the joy in their eyes, and their parents are equally pleased,” Ozer added. This success story is just one example of how libraries in Türkiye are becoming vital resources for early childhood development.

Parents have expressed their appreciation for the library’s offerings, noting that their children enjoy spending time there. One parent shared, “My child loves the library and looks forward to coming here. It’s a wonderful place for children to learn and have fun.” This reflects a growing trend where Turkish libraries are creating welcoming environments for young families.

Several libraries in Türkiye expand services for babies, toddlers

In Denizli, the 100th Anniversary Public Library has also introduced programs that cater to its youngest visitors, demonstrating how libraries in Türkiye are adapting to new educational needs. Officially reopened in November 2023 with a modernized design, the library now features dedicated sections for babies and preschoolers.

The baby section is designed for children aged 0-36 months and includes educational toys, a story corner, a ball pit, and a play ramp. For children aged 3-6 years, the preschool section offers a range of books, games, and educational activities. These enhancements show how libraries in Türkiye are reimagining their spaces to better serve young users.

Buket Teke Ozcan, a child development specialist at the Denizli library, highlighted the importance of these programs. “We organize activities that support fine motor skills, cognitive development, and social interaction. Our goal is to leave children with happy memories of the library and help them develop a love for books that will stay with them for life,” she explained. This focus on early development is becoming more common in Turkish libraries.

One father, Yavuz Gencer, shared his experience after bringing his daughter to the library. “I was surprised when I first heard about the baby programs. We’ve been coming here weekly for about five months. My daughter loves the activities and always asks to visit the library,” Gencer said. This is yet another example of how libraries in Türkiye are making a significant impact on families.

Turkish Libraries evolve to support early childhood development

The success of these programs in Gaziantep and Denizli reflects a broader trend among Turkish libraries. Libraries in Türkiye are becoming more than just places to borrow books – they are evolving into dynamic community centers that offer valuable resources for all ages. By focusing on early childhood education, these Turkish libraries are playing a crucial role in the development of young minds.

Nazmi Uz, director of the Denizli Library, emphasized the library’s mission: “Our primary aim is to introduce children to books and libraries from an early age. We want to foster a lifelong relationship with reading and learning.”

He also noted the collaboration with child development specialists, which ensures that the programs offered meet the developmental needs of the children. This proactive approach is increasingly characteristic of libraries in Türkiye.