Turkish libraries flourish with over 48,000 nationwide in 2023

In a recent report by TurkStat released on Friday, Türkiye celebrates a significant expansion in its library network, boasting a total of 48,700 libraries in 2023.

The data breakdown showcases a diverse range of library types, including one National Library, one national library, 1,200 public libraries, 627 university libraries, and a substantial 46,800 libraries affiliated with formal and non-formal educational institutions.

Remarkable increase in book collections

With an extensive collection of 118.8 million books across these libraries, the report highlights a remarkable 56.9% surge in the number of books within libraries associated with formal and non-formal educational institutions.

Public library usage saw a noteworthy uptick of 25.3%, alongside a commendable 11.2% increase in library members, reaching a total of 6.2 million.

Rise of electronic books

The report also points to a significant rise in electronic book availability within university libraries, with a 23.4% increase, totaling 118.3 million electronic books.

Türkiye witnessed a surge in book production in the publishing domain, with 99,000 new titles hitting the shelves in 2023 – an 18.4% increase, focusing predominantly on academic works.