53rd Library Week is being celebrated in Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) from the 27th of March to the 2nd of April 2017. At Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), celebrations began with a caricature exhibition titled “A book is light”. The opening of the said event took place at EMU Özay Oral Library, at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, the 27th of March 2017.
Speaking at the opening, EMU Özay Oral Library Director Osman Soykan stated that he is very happy to be here, thanking everyone in attendance. Providing information about the library and librarianship Soykan highlighted the importance of reading stating “Knowledge is power, power is knowledge”. Soykan also provided information about the activities that will be taking place as part of the 53rd Library Week. Indicating that caricatures like books contain strong messages, Soykan expressed his happiness in caricatures being used to explain the importance of libraries in the 53rd Library Week.
Speaking on behalf of the caricaturists Hüseyin Çakmak stated that a total of 50 caricatures from 8 caricaturists are being exhibited, expressing his belief that enough importance isn’t placed on art, books and libraries in the TRNC. Thanking EMU for their interest Çakmak stated that with rising internet consumption, reading levels are decreasing. He went on to indicate that caricaturists send messages via drawings and thanked all those who contributed to the exhibition.
EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Özkaramanlı also thanked everyone for their participation noting that EMU has been aware of the importance of its library since its establishment. Prof. Dr. Özkaramanlı provided information about EMU Özay Oral Library indicating that it contains 200 thousand books, approximately 200 thousand electronic books and over 10 thousand academic journals. Thanking everyone who took part in the organization of the exhibition Prof. Dr. Özkaramanlı wished everyone a productive Library Week. After the exhibition opening, Prof. Dr. Osam handed the caricaturists certificates of appreciation for their valuable contributions.
The caricature exhibition titled “Books and Libraries” was organized by Leyla Çınar Algül with the contributions of Cemal Tunceri, Hüseyin Çakmak, Leyla Çınar Algül, Serhan Gazioğlu, Musa Kayra, Mustafa Cemal Azizoğlu, Mustafa Tozakı, Serkan Sürek and Utku Karsu. The exhibition can be visited between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. until the 2nd of March 2017.
After the opening ceremony of the caricature ceremony, a honorary lunch was held for the caricature artists and library employees at EMU Beach Club by EMU Rectorate.
