Designed by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality with the vision of transforming new-generation libraries into vibrant centers of culture and art, the Sevgi Soysal Library opened its doors on August 31, 2022.
Named after Sevgi Soysal—an esteemed author who captured the individual’s struggles within society in her stories influenced by new realism and approached freedom-oriented social change with intellectual responsibility—our library is located at one of the most central points of the city, operating on a 1,071 m² area with a 200-person capacity.
With its rich and diverse collection and rare archive, the library also serves as a research center next to the Atatürk Library, facilitating access to books and culture for Istanbul residents. The collection of 12,586 books covers a wide range of disciplines from literature and art to history, architecture, and more. The library additionally provides essential study spaces for students.
All local residents can benefit from the lending services of Sevgi Soysal Library, as well as all libraries affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Department of Urban History and Promotion, Library and Museums Branch Directorate.
Readers wishing to become members can easily register and access our services via the İBB Kütüphane Mini application within the İstanbul Senin mobile app.
For membership via e-Government, log in to turkiye.gov.tr, search for "İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi Kütüphane," and click the "Belediye Kütüphaneleri Üyelik Bilgileri Sorgulama ve Üyelik Başvurusu" link. Fill in the required information and complete your registration by clicking 'Apply.' You can then access all İBB library services using the password sent to your phone or e-mail.
Alternatively, you may register in person at our libraries with a valid government-issued ID (Turkish national ID card, driver’s license, or passport).
Reservation Rules
To make a reservation, log in to your library account at https://katalog.ibb.gov.tr and click the “Reservation” tab in the upper menu. Click on the seat you want for your preferred date and time on the map. Use the QR code sent to your phone to check in and out at the kiosk at the library entrance.
Reservations can also be made via the “İBB Kütüphane” mini app in the İstanbul Senin mobile application.
Seating areas may be reserved one day in advance.
Up to 3 reservations can be made per day. The QR code for the first reservation must be scanned before making a second reservation.
Reserved times appear in gray; available times appear in green.
Reservations can be canceled online.
If you do not enter the reserved area within 15 minutes of the start time, the reservation is automatically canceled.
The library staff reserves the right to correct or cancel reservations if necessary.
No food or drink is allowed inside the library, but personal thermoses may be used.
Memberships created using the “Sign Up” tab at katalog.ibb.gov.tr allow access to our digital collection only. For seat reservations, please access the reservation page via the İBB Kütüphane Mini app in the İstanbul Senin application.
