8 replies to this topic

[Abi]

Linda, American by birth, has lived in Istanbul for 27 years with her Irish husband and set up the book exchange because she found it so difficult to find good books to read.

Linda operates from a small room (which another ex-pat bibliophile lets her use rent free) in a back street off Istiklal Caddesi.

The address is: Şehbender Sokak No.18, Asmalı Mescit – and it isn’t easy to find. However, starting from the Tübel end of Istiklal, find Istanbul’s famous music club called ‘Babylon’, stand with your back to the main entrance, turn left and No.18 is a few yards down the street on the other side.

Linda doesn’t charge for her books. In theory you truly ‘exchange’ titles but in practice she has so many she doesn’t mind if you take more than you bring.

Linda’s Book Exchange is open 5 – 7pm, Monday to Friday though she may close on bayrams (public holidays).

We came away loaded down with books and have nothing but praise for the indomitable Linda


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[sunny]

A valuable service for English speakers, or should I say readers.

[Ahududu]

Excellent find, Abi.
I've been doing the charity shops recently to buy reading books for my kids, so I have a good supply when we move over.
I think I'll be moved over to an e-reader, but there's nothing quite like browsing for books in real life, is there?

[Abi]

I agree with you Sue, I can spend hours browsing for books and really enjoy it. I haven't got an e-reader but have been told they take a bit of getting use to but after that people say they are great to use.

[Ahududu]

I think the benefit of them is having lots of books at your finger tips, Abi.
I hate having to ration my reading when I'm on holiday, yet carrying 5 books looks like I'm being anti-social!!!
So with an e-reader there's always a new one ready!!!!

[sunny]

Several people here in Cesme have got ereaders and they are very pleased with them.
I plan on getting one when I go to the UK in the autumn then I won't have to bring my usual holdall full of books back with me. I can fill it with cheese and other goodies instead.

[Alan123]

Thanks Linda

[Fen]

ah that sounds great! have to keep it in my mind since i loveee books and i was worried how i will find something to read if (when) i move over there. thanks for info, abi!

[clinky]

Will check this out...see if they've got any Wallanders knocking about.

An e-reader is tempting... to me it just doesn't 'feel' right.