10 new generation libraries will be opened in 2027, 20 thousand manuscripts will be digitized

According to the compilation made by the AA correspondent from the "2027 Presidential Annual Programme", efforts will continue to expand library services, protect information resources and transfer cultural heritage to future generations.

In this context, studies are carried out to transform libraries from being areas where information resources are preserved and lent, to places where information is produced, shared and society socializes.

While the construction of 29 new generation library buildings has been completed since 2018, 616 libraries have been restructured with modern equipment and put into service.

There are more than 1300 public libraries serving in Türkiye, with a capacity of 160 thousand people and a closed area exceeding 777 thousand square meters.

By 2025, the number of books in public libraries reached 26.1 million, the number of members reached 7.2 million, and the number of users reached 39.2 million people.

It is planned to open 10 new generation libraries, complete the construction of 12 libraries and functionally restructure 12 libraries next year.

As part of the work to develop the cultural infrastructure, the construction of two cultural centers will be completed and put into service.

45 Turkish-Islamic classics will be published

In the collections of the Turkish Manuscripts Association, there are 811 thousand 527 manuscripts and rare printed works that contain the intellectual memory of Islam and Turkish-Islamic history.

While 27 thousand 201 manuscripts and rare printed works have been purchased and added to the collections since 2012, the digitization rate of the works in the manuscript libraries has reached 93 percent.

In 2027, it is planned to digitize 20 thousand manuscripts and rare works and create digital archives, and to restore 1100 manuscripts and rare works.

In addition, it is aimed to bring 4 thousand manuscripts and rare printed works in public and private collections at home and abroad to manuscript libraries through purchases and donations.

Within the scope of the program, it is envisaged to publish 45 manuscripts of Turkish-Islamic classics, to prepare detailed bibliographic identifiers of 27 thousand works, and to organize 251 cultural and scientific events at national and international levels in the field of manuscripts and rare works.