Historic Church-Relocated Library Welcomes Over 65,000 Visitors in 16 Months

The Provincial Public Library in Adana was relocated after its building in the Kayalıbağ neighborhood of the central Seyhan district was damaged during the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes on February 6, 2023.

With 37,375 active members, the library was moved to the Aya Nikola Church, also known as the Kuruköprü Church. Built in 1845 by the Greek community during the Ottoman period, the historic structure was left vacant following the population exchange between Türkiye and Greece. Over the years, it served as the Adana Archaeology Museum, Adana Ethnography Museum, a museum storage facility, and the Kuruköprü Church Monument Museum before being repurposed as a library.

The library opened its doors at the new location on October 20, 2024, and has since hosted more than 65,000 visitors in 16 months, benefiting from the building’s historic ambiance.

Located in the Kuruköprü neighborhood, the library is open to visitors from 08:30 to 18:30, except on Sundays.

Adana Provincial Public Library Director Doğan Şen stated that visitors enjoy an experience intertwined with history. He noted that the library houses nearly 70,000 books and 25 periodicals, adding that the strong public interest has been encouraging. The library also hosts various events, including author-reader meetings.

Visitor Hatice Ateş said that studying in a historic building makes her feel more motivated, describing the atmosphere as peaceful and inspiring.