Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality has launched a new Audio Library Project to ensure that people with visual impairments can access written materials and receive services on an equal, independent and safe basis. Citizens using the library, which is equipped with audiobooks, Braille-printed materials and modern technologies, expressed their satisfaction by saying: “We now have the library we had always dreamed of.”

Building on its earlier audio library services, Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality has now opened a new central facility designed to provide broader and higher-quality access to information for visually impaired residents. Established on the basis of lessons learned from previous experience and strengthened with advanced technological equipment, the Audio Library stands out not only as a reading space, but also as an inclusive living and learning environment that expands equality of opportunity in education, offering a wide range of facilities from Braille materials to talking computers.

Implemented by the Department of Disability and Elderly Services within the Amida Public Library at Stad Millet Bahçesi in Yenişehir district, one of the project’s most notable features is its clear focus on the real, everyday needs of visually impaired residents. Within this scope, written texts can be accessed in audio format, Braille reading and writing activities can be carried out, and embossed materials can be produced. Assistive technologies such as screen magnification and contrast adjustment are also available for partially sighted users. In addition, the library is coordinated by an experienced staff member with a visual impairment.

“This is not a privilege, but a public responsibility”

Speaking about the project, Head of the Disability Unit Emin Baran said the new facility was the result of an equality-based policy approach. Stressing that visually impaired residents can access information independently and on equal terms thanks to Braille documents, the audio library system and its strong infrastructure, Baran said: “We see this kind of work not as a privilege or a favour, but as a public responsibility. This unit includes technologies that can be used by both people who are totally blind and those with low vision.”

“The centre will offer multilingual services”

Baran said the centre will gradually expand to include a range of programmes, from computer courses to Braille training, adding that services will be provided in both Turkish and Kurdish.

Extensive technological equipment

Abdülmecit Yılmaz, who is responsible for the Audio Library, also shared details about the centre’s facilities. “We offer our users a wide range of support through equipment such as talking computers, audio screen readers, MP3 devices, document scanning systems, Braille printers and Braille displays. Those who do not have access to a computer at home will be able to study here comfortably, browse the internet freely and continue their education,” he said.

“It makes our lives easier”

Songül Uçu, a university student who uses the library, underlined the importance of the centre, saying: “Life is already difficult for us under normal circumstances. Libraries like this are incredibly important. You bring in an ordinary book and it reads it aloud to you. The fact that the computers speak and announce the letters you press is a huge thing. At university, we need to prepare presentations, so we have to use computers effectively. All the computers here have speech functions, and that makes our lives at least a little easier, especially when it comes to reading.”

“We now have access to opportunities we could never have imagined”

Seventy-six-year-old İsa Deniz recalled the difficulties they had faced in the past and described the significance of the project in these words: “For me, this is almost like something out of a film. We went through so many hardships in the past; we could not even imagine having opportunities like these. What has been achieved today is truly valuable. I call on all people with visual impairments to support and look after this library. This was our dream.”

“It helps create equality of opportunity in education”

University student Pelşin Çelebi also drew attention to the challenges she faced in education, saying: “Educational opportunities for people with visual impairments in Türkiye are especially limited at secondary school level. If a library like this had existed back then, I would have been able to study much more easily. Being able to access these materials here now is wonderful. I believe it will help me continue my university education more effectively.”

Applications and opening hours

Residents who wish to use the Audio Library service can apply with a disability report and a photocopy of their identity card. The centre is open on weekdays from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.