Operating under the Child Education Application and Research Center of Kastamonu University, the Baby and Children’s Library has served children aged 0–8 with a development-oriented design since April 1, 2023. As one of the few examples in Türkiye, the library aims to introduce children to books early, foster reading habits, and help them explore different cultures.

Open to all children from Kastamonu city center and districts, the library also welcomes visitors from neighboring provinces and even abroad, making it a local and international hub for education and culture.

A Rich Collection in 20 Languages
The Baby and Children’s Library houses a collection of books in 20 languages, including Turkish. Puzzles, intelligence games, and sensory books for the 0–3 age group further support children’s development. With 2,500 Turkish books, the library reinforces children’s sense of curiosity and discovery from infancy, while allowing them to experience both the richness of the Turkish language and the diversity of other languages and cultures.

International Visitors
The library has hosted international academics from institutions such as the University of Malaga (Spain) and Mindanao State University (Philippines). Beyond these visits, the collection is continually enriched by works from our university’s academics during their international travels, expanding children’s horizons with new books in different languages.

Collaborations with Student Communities and Projects
The library organizes various events in cooperation with university student communities. For example, in collaboration with the Preschool Education Community, the “Preschool Education Festival” was held for the second time this year. Such events allow children and parents to engage in play-based learning activities while teacher candidates gain valuable experience interacting with children, contributing to their professional development.

A Busy Year
In the 2024–2025 academic year, the Baby and Children’s Library welcomed hundreds of children and families. Throughout the year, 85 school classes visited the library collectively, while 700 children visited independently with their families.

Featured Author Corner and Family Events
Through the “Author of the Month” corner, children are introduced each month to different children’s book authors and their works. Additionally, author-child meetings allow children to interact with the writers whose books they enjoy reading. The library also hosts thematic workshops inspired by children’s books, providing enjoyable learning experiences.

The center not only serves children but also supports families. Within the framework of the “Parent Academy” initiative, five sessions on different themes have been held so far. Moreover, various awareness programs are organized in cooperation with the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services.

Opportunities for Teacher Candidates
The Baby and Children’s Library is also open to university students, particularly those from the Faculty of Education. Open classes are organized for teacher candidates, and students can also work part-time at the library through İŞKUR, gaining professional and practical experience.