Giresun Children's Library is a free facility in Giresun, Türkiye, housed in a restored 19th-century church built between 1850-1900, featuring original tiled mosaics and serving as a children's library since 1967.
The building was originally a church. Built between 1850-1900, it stands within a garden with cut stone walls. With its rectangular plan, triangular pedimented facade, and fluted stone columns at the corners, it is considered one of the best-preserved non-Muslim structures of 19th-century Giresun. The pointed arched entrance and double-leaf wooden door on the north facade showcase the craftsmanship of the period; a second door on the east side leads to the bell tower.
Used as a children's library since 1967, the building was renovated in 2012 as part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's "Children's Libraries Improvement Project." The original tiled mosaic flooring in the nave, with its floral and geometric patterns, is still in place. Visitors enjoy the giant chess section inside and the small areas where children can play. Some recount discovering the building by chance while walking down the street and learning it was a church upon entering.
It is located right across from the Giresun Teachers' Lodge, in the city center. Members can borrow books. Since the building is small, a visit is short, but the history within is an interesting detail.
Guide's Note
Why Is This Building So Interesting?
Built between 1850-1900, the structure was originally a Catholic church. With its cut stone walls, triangular pedimented facade, and fluted stone columns at the corners, it is considered one of the best examples of non-Muslim architecture of the period in Giresun. It has served as a children's library since 1967. Some visitors see this as an interesting transformation, while others criticize the change from its former religious function. The divergence of opinions is evident in the comments.
When to Visit?
Since it is a small building, the visit is short, so it is possible to stop by at any time of the day. There are comments that it may be closed on public holidays; one visitor was turned away on a holiday and could only take photos from outside. Visiting on a weekday is a safer option.
How to Get There?
It is located in the city center, in Çınarlar Neighborhood. It is easy to describe as it is directly opposite the Giresun Teachers' Lodge. It is possible to reach it by walking from the center; for those going by car, the difficulty of finding parking in the vicinity is a frequently mentioned issue in comments.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
The building is small, 20-40 minutes is sufficient. Since it is close to the Giresun Museum, it makes sense to visit both on the same day. One visitor also describes walking from the museum to the library in this exact way.
What's Around It?
It is within walking distance of the Giresun Museum. It can be included in a short walking route along with other historical structures in the city center. Being opposite the Teachers' Lodge makes planning the itinerary easier.
What to Pay Attention To?
There is a recurring point in the comments: the smell from the small prayer room in the building has bothered some visitors. Parking can also be problematic due to its central location. Membership is required for those who wish to borrow books, but entering and browsing are free.
Good Spots for Photos
The pointed arched entrance and double-leaf wooden door on the north facade are the most photographed details from the exterior. Inside, the original mosaic floor and the giant chess corner are also among the most captured shots on visitors' phones.
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