In many countries around the world, literary houses and museums have been established in honor of renowned authors. These structures serve to preserve and develop the literary and aesthetic cultures of their respective regions. In this context, Turkey has also established Literature Museum Libraries, which integrate the concepts of literary museums and libraries, making them accessible to the public.

^{Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar Literature Museum Library (Istanbul)}

Purpose and Scope of Literature Museum Libraries

Literature Museum Libraries are institutions that house both historical and contemporary literary works, uphold aesthetic and cultural values, and encourage new studies in these fields. These libraries exhibit original editions, facsimiles, and rare works while also displaying personal belongings used by certain authors, thus incorporating a museological aspect.

Turkey possesses a rich heritage of manuscripts, with more than three hundred thousand manuscripts preserved across the country. Among them, literary manuscripts hold a special significance. Therefore, displaying facsimiles of these works in Literature Museum Libraries is essential for ensuring cultural continuity.

These libraries aim to create an interactive space for authors, publishers, critics, readers, and institutions dealing with copyright issues. Additionally, literary magazines and award-winning works constitute an essential part of the library collections.

Space and Architectural Structure

Literature Museum Libraries are housed in independent buildings that reflect the cultural fabric and architectural characteristics of their respective cities. These carefully designed structures incorporate special collections dedicated to authors who have either been born in or spent significant time in the region. Typewriters, pens, and other objects used by these authors are also exhibited.

^{Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar Literature Museum Library (Istanbul)}

Social and Scientific Activities Supporting Literature

Beyond serving as repositories of literary works, Literature Museum Libraries also function as venues for literary, artistic, historical, philosophical, musical, and visual arts events, including discussions, scientific meetings, and artistic activities. Writers, critics, publishers, and translators actively use these libraries, while exhibitions on aesthetic culture are also organized.

These libraries include cafes and cafeterias to meet users’ needs. However, books are only available for on-site use and cannot be borrowed.

Existing Literature Museum Libraries

Currently, there are nine Literature Museum Libraries operating in different cities in Turkey:

• 2011: Ankara Mehmet Akif Ersoy, Adana Karacaoğlan, Diyarbakır Ahmet Arif, Istanbul Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar Literature Museum Libraries
• 2012: Erzurum Erzurumlu Emrah Literature Museum Library
• 2013: Kütahya Evliya Çelebi Literature Museum Library
• 2018: Trabzon Muhibbi Literature Museum Library
• 2021: İzmir and Hatay Literature Museum Libraries

^{Mehmet Akif Ersoy Literature Museum Library (Ankara)}

General Statistics

The average physical and collection sizes of these libraries are as follows:

• Number of Literature Museum Libraries: 9
• Average building area: 276 m²
• Average user capacity: 79 people
• Average collection size: 4,500 books

Literature Museum Libraries play a crucial role in preserving both historical and contemporary literary works while fostering literature and the arts. By bridging the gap between writers, readers, critics, and publishers, they contribute to the transmission of Turkey's literary and aesthetic heritage to future generations.