Rami Library was awarded the “Grand Scale Project” prize at the 2026 Green Library Awards organized by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). By preserving historical heritage while promoting environmental sustainability and social benefits, Rami Library has honored Türkiye with this significant international achievement.

 

 

Sixty-two projects from 27 countries were evaluated in the Green Library Awards, organized for the 11th time by the Environment, Sustainability and Libraries (ENSULIB) unit of IFLA. Rami Library was among the three finalists with its project, “Transforming a 19th Century Historic Barracks into a Climate-Resilient Urban Commons,” and was selected as the world’s best green library in the category of “Grand Scale Project”.

 

The award was presented at a ceremony held during the 90th IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Busan, South Korea. Following the final presentation on behalf of Türkiye, the award was presented to Taner Beyoğlu, General Director of Libraries and Publications, and Ali Çelik, Director of Rami Library, by Sharon Memis, the Secretary General of IFLA.

 

 

Historical Heritage and Sustainability

 

The Rami Barracks, built between 1826 and 1828, opened to serve as Rami Library in 2023, following the restoration and repurposing works that preserved its historical character. The project, bringing together sustainability and preservation of historical heritage, has transformed the library into a contemporary public space converging knowledge, culture, nature and social life.

 

With a 36,000-square-meter indoor space and a 51,000-square-meter green area, Rami Library serves as a significant cultural and knowledge center in Türkiye, featuring a collection of 2 million books and a seating capacity of 4,200.

 

On the library's grounds, 696 trees, 99,000 shrubs, a biological pond and reed beds contribute to supporting biodiversity and preserving natural life. Rainwater reuse, energy efficiency applications, solar energy systems, LED lighting, and waste sorting at the source are among the key elements of the library’s sustainability efforts.

 

 

As the first sustainable library in Türkiye to hold a Biosphere Certificate, as well as Zero Waste and Green Energy Certificates, Rami Library carries out its sustainability efforts with determination. The Book Hospital contributes by preserving manuscripts and printed books, passing cultural heritage on to future generations.

 

The international success of Rami Library, achieved with the IFLA Green Library Award, is a demonstration of preserving historical heritage while successfully pursuing environmental and social benefits together.

With the title of “The World’s Best Green Library,” Rami Library has confirmed its pioneering role internationally in the field of sustainable libraries.