Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Özay Oral Library celebrated the 61st Library Week by organizing a book reading event and an award ceremony on Wednesday, 2 April 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Özay Oral Library garden. Held with the participation of students from the Şehit Zeki Salih Elementary School, the event commenced following the opening speeches.
The event was attended by EMU Acting Rector and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman Karatepe, EMU Özay Oral Library Director Osman Soykan, academic and administrative personnel, and students.
“Has the Widest Academic Collection”
Delivering an opening speech, EMU Özay Oral Library Director Osman Soykan expressed that the “Library Week” is observed in the week commencing with the last Monday of March every year. Soykan said; “Knowledge is a vital part of our modern world, and its importance has remained constant throughout history. Humanity has survived and thrived because of knowledge—and in many ways, for it. Since the moment information began to be recorded in print, libraries have evolved and grown in significance. Simply put, knowledge is the foundation of our existence”. Providing information on libraries, Soykan noted that the EMU Özay Oral Library is one of the prominent libraries, offering effective information services with the widest academic collections in our region and country. Moreover, Soykan presented information about EMU Özay Oral Library, talking about the library’s printed and electronic services. On this occasion, Soykan extended his best wishes to all librarians and library enthusiasts and, wished our society many days filled with books.
“Knowledge: The Enemy of Ignorance and Fanaticism”
EMU Acting Rector and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe began his speech by welcoming all the attendees of the event and participants from the Şehit Zeki Salih Elementary School. Emphasizing that when we think of a library, what should first come to mind is a space where people can reflect, truly understand what they read, fuel their imagination, and gain knowledge to create, Prof. Dr. Karatepe explained that in the past, accessing information was not easy, but today, as a state university, EMU has access to hundreds of thousands of online resources. Highlighting that as long as people continue to invest in knowledge, they can shape their future and vision more effectively, Prof. Dr. Karatepe also stressed that knowledge is the enemy of ignorance and fanaticism. In societies where ignorance prevails, the access to, learning of, and sharing of information is often restricted. He concluded by saying that if a stand is to be taken against ignorance and bigotry, the path must lead through knowledge.
Following the opening speeches, Prof. Dr. Karatere presented plaques to Şehir Zeki Salih Elementary School head teacher for their contributions. On the other hand, Soykan presented a bouquet.
Best Readers Award Ceremony Held
Within the scope of the ceremony, top four students borrowing the most books from the Özay Oral Library during 2024 were presented with awards and appreciation certificates by Prof. Dr. Karatepe and Soykan. The top ranking student was Faculty of Business and Economics student İbrahim Kurt with 34 books followed by Faculty of Arts and Sciences student Cevher Palabıyık with 22 books. The third ranked student was Faculty of Business and Economics student Kübra Biber with 19 books. Sheida Parvari from the Faculty of Engineering, ranked the fourth students with 17 books in the year of 2024. Following the presentation of awards, a 30-minute book reading event was held at the Özay Oral Library garden.
