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2026 Events

The Question Itself
April 25, 2026

Toronto, this is an invitation to pause and reflect.

This month’s theme is TRANSFORMATION.
“Sometimes it’s necessary to dwell on the question before looking for answers.”

April 25, 2026
13:00 – 15:30

Participation Fee: $10

Ankara Library

1608 O’Connor Dr,
Toronto, ON M4B 3N5

Don’t worry if you can’t find a seat! There will be new meetings every month.

For questions: sorukendisi@gmail.com

3rd Art Literacy Workshop
April 18, 25 and May 2, 9, 2026

3rd Art Literacy Workshop Begins!

Even if you have no prior knowledge of art history, you are invited to a delightful experience where you will meet with participants from diverse fields of interest and explore art together through important works and artists, guided by Prof. Aykut Gürçağlar, enriched by a visit to the AGO museum.

We will examine painting from the 19th century to the present day, focusing on the origins of movements, prominent artists, and their works. The AGO visit is optional.

Prof. Aykut Gürçağlar, who has conducted academic research on art history for many years at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, is known for his work on art movements, painting, and their social contexts.

Dates:
● Saturday, April 18, 12:00–14:00
● Saturday, April 25, 12:00–14:00 (AGO Museum tour)
● Saturday, May 2, 12:00–14:00
● Saturday, May 9, 12:00–14:00

Location: Ankara Library
Address: 1608 O’Connor Dr, Toronto

Fee: 100 CAD

(AGO museum tour is optional, ticket must be purchased separately.)

Capacity: 12 people

You can send an etransfer to ankarakitaplik@gmail.com for payment. Description: Art Literacy Workshop
For registration or information, please email ankarakitapligi@gmail.com.

Serra Gürçay Book Launch
April 12, 2026

We were delighted to host travel writer and translator Serra Gürçay.

Gürçay, who blends her life experiences shaped by different countries and cultures with literature, invites readers on a deep and multifaceted journey with her first novel, “Barefoot.”

Through the story of three women tracing the footsteps of a child forced to leave their homeland, the novel offers a heartfelt and thought-provoking perspective on universal themes such as climate crisis, migration, belonging, motherhood, and humanity’s return to its own nature.

This special event, where we will explore the author’s sources of inspiration, writing process, and the background of the novel, was moderated by Nilgün Altın Yılmaz.

Academic Roadmap from 1st Grade to University
March 29, 2026

This seminar, titled “Academic Roadmap from 1st Grade to University,” addressed the structure of the Canadian education system and the key decision points students face on their academic journey from primary to university. The seminar was presented by Gülay Erdoğan Metivier (OCT), a Toronto University OISE graduate, Ontario College of Teachers licensed educator, and educational consultant.

Evrim Kuran – Interview and Book Launch
March 8, 2026

We Reconsidered “Measures” for March 8, International Women’s Day!

This event was not only a conversation about Evrim Kuran’s new book, Cetvel  [The Ruler], but also a moment to rethink the “measures” in our lives together.

The questions were asked by his son Ali Kuran, and the answers were given by Evrim Kuran. A conversation shaped by a son’s curiosity while describing a mother’s own life measures…

As we get older, the measures we use change. What are our measurements for success, happiness, motherhood, career, dreams and disappointments?

And most importantly: “Who decides the measures and rules in our lives?”

International Women’s Day Film Screening
March 1, 2026

We are gathering at the Ankara Library for a 3-month discussion series called “The Question Itself”. Anyone who wants to delve deeper into concepts and gain new perspectives is invited.

Topic of the First Session: CONSUMPTION
Together, we questioned our consumption habits in the modern world, the effects of this concept on our lives and the thoughts behind it.

The Question Itself
February 21, 2026

We are gathering at the Ankara Library for a 3-month discussion series called “The Question Itself”. Anyone who wants to delve deeper into concepts and gain new perspectives is invited.

Topic of the First Session: CONSUMPTION
Together, we questioned our consumption habits in the modern world, the effects of this concept on our lives and the thoughts behind it.

Aylin Peser – Dot Painting
January 17, 2026

This Valentine’s Day-themed workshop was held at the Ankara Library for participants who wanted to present a meaningful gift to their loved ones or have a special experience for themselves, and the participants made a dot mandala of the idea of Tree of Life.

Tree of Life symbolizes trust and return to the true self with its roots, growth and development with its branches, and love and connection with life with its hearts. Each heart represents a connection with life, and the roots represent the inner journey one makes to oneself. In this respect, the Tree of Life has both an individual and a universal meaning.

Participants of the workshop created their own Trees of Life with the meditative dot mandala technique and experienced a process based on focus and esthetic production.

Aylin Peser – Dot Painting
January 17, 2026

Since the dot painting workshop held last February was well-received, our mandala artist, Aylin Peser, has prepared a new workshop on the theme of the Evil Eye, to bring us together with the fresh energy of the new year.

In this two-hour workshop, we combined the protective symbol of the evil eye with the calming and meditative effect of the dot mandala technique, and experience a pleasant activity that relaxes our minds by gradually flowing with the rhythm of the dots.

2025 Events

Necati Onat – Book Presentation
December 21, 2025

A Turk Adorning Toronto Streets

We launched the book Art From Istanbul to Toronto, which brings together the unique works of the great master Necati Onat, who left deep traces in both countries during his artistic journey from Turkey to Canada, and who, despite his magnificent talent, always maintained a humble demeanor.

Professor Dr. Aysan Sev’er, who edited and narrated the book, describes this master artist with the words, “If we were to compare Necati’s works in different art fields with classical music, we could say sonatas for Istanbul ferries, arias for Turkish epics, concertos for his posters, symphonies for his horses and ballerinas, and short waltzes for his logos.”

At this book launch event, we witnessed together Necati Onat’s vast artistic universe, ranging from Bosphorus ferries to Turkish epics, from masks to logos, from ballerinas to horses.

Esin Akalın – New Book Launch and Interview
December 13, 2025

Dr. Esin Akalın, who published her new novel, Shakespeare Sevdası (Shakespeare Love), in August, was with us for a talk about her book and to meet with her readers.

In this masterful combination of fantasy and history, Ms. Akalın establishes a dialogue between eras and generations through Shakespeare, allowing her readers to journey through time and memory. The timeless passions of six generations of Shakespeare-loving women stretch from Istanbul to Mesopotamia, and from there to London and America.

Fidan Film Screening
November 19, 2025

Fidan, which won the “Best Editing” and “Best Supporting Actress” awards at the 61st International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival and three other awards at the 11th Cinema D’iDEA Women’s Film Festival, was presented by our library, with the participation of its director, Mr. Ayçıl Yeltan.

All proceeds from this special film screening, with contributions from the Bridge To Turkey Fund, were channeled towards the education of girls in the Payda Association’s scholarship program, which currently provides educational support to nearly 500 students in 11 provinces across Turkey.

Sedef Kabas

Event with Sedef Kabaş
October 30, 2025

On the 102nd anniversary of the Turkish Republic Day, October 29, we were honored to host one of the most acclaimed journalists on screen—Dr. Sedef Kabaş, recipient of numerous prestigious awards including “Brave Heart,” “Leading Woman,” “Language Association Honor Award,” “Journalist of the Year,” and “Woman Leader.”

Drawing from her latest book Yandığın Ateş Yoluna Işık Olur (The Fire That Burns You Lights Your Path), Dr. Kabaş shared powerful examples and personal stories that illuminate the invincibility of every struggle guided by courage, resilience, and grace.

Dilek Livaneli

Meeting Dilek Livaneli
May 4, 2025

Dilek Livaneli, the first Turkish teacher to be recognized among the world’s top 50 educators for the Global Teacher Prize—often called the “Nobel Prize of Education”—was the speaker at our event in Toronto. She shared her remarkable journey from a village school to the global stage, offering a powerful testament to the transformative power of hope and perseverance.

As part of the event, Dilek Livaneli also signed copies of her book, Bir Dilek Yetmez (One Wish Is Not Enough), which she wrote to uplift and inspire thousands around the world.

Gönül Bakay

We celebrated International Women’s Day by hosting the esteemed writer Professor Gönül Bakay
March 09, 2025

In her book “Delirtilen Kadınlar” – “Women Driven to Madness”, Bakay addresses how women were silenced by being ‘driven mad’ in English and American literature, sharing with us the overlooked face of women’s history with the depth of an academic study.

At Ankara Library, we believe in making women more visible in the world of literature and thought, rather than ignoring them. We take pride in celebrating this journey with you in our 25th year and hope to meet again in our future events.

Nermin Bezmen Conversation and Book Launch Event: – January 18, 2025

We hosted our first event of the year on January 18, 2025. At our opening celebration, we welcomed miniature artist, printmaker, decorative artist, restorer, and author Nermin Bezmen as our guest. She introduced her two books, “TEO” and “TOLGAMA HASRET MEKTUPLARI”.

2000+

Total number of books in our library

4000+

Visitiors joined our annual Canada Day picnic

2000

Year Ankara Library was founded

180

Number of short stories written for our traditional competition

ANKARA LIBRARY TORONTO

Operating Hours:

Tuesday: 1-3 pm
Thursday: 6-8 pm
Sunday: 1-4 pm

Ankara Library is closed on public holidays.

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1608 O’Connor Drive
Toronto, ON, Canada, M4B 3N5

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