Jungnang District Library Launches 'Jipkok Reading Campaign'

Preschool Reading Mascot 'Gachi' Recommends Picture Books... 'Home Reading Challenge' and 'Anyone Can Write Reviews' Events Held... E-books, Audiobooks, and Smart Library Available

Children are reading books at Myeonmok Information Library.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Due to COVID-19, six district-run libraries and 18 small libraries in the area have temporarily closed, causing visits for books to come to a halt.

However, Jungnang District Library is gaining attention by conducting a "Stay-at-Home Reading Campaign" so that people can enjoy the pleasure of reading even at home.

First, on Jungnang District Library's Instagram (@jungnanglibrary), the mascot for "Reading 1,000 Books Before School," 'Gachi,' daily recommends picture books carefully selected by librarians.

"Reading 1,000 Books Before School" is a program aimed at children aged 5 to 7 residing in Jungnang-gu, encouraging them to read 1,000 books over three years to develop reading habits.

Participants can join in five stages: Seed → Sprout → Bud → Flower → Fruit. Last year, the number of participants exceeded 595. Once the temporary closure ends, registration will resume at district libraries and small libraries.

Along with this, a "Stay-at-Home Reading Challenge" is being held, where children or entire families post photos of themselves reading on Instagram. Yangwon Forest Library will hold a "Anyone Can Write a Book Review" event from the 16th to the 31st. Participants can write book reviews on the website bulletin board or in comments on Facebook and Instagram.

Also, if you have a library membership card, you can access the "Jungnang District Electronic Library" and "Jungnang District Audiobook" via PC or smartphone app, using 26,620 e-books and 3,845 audiobooks. At unmanned book lending and return kiosks called Smart Libraries installed at Yongmasan Station, Junghwa Station, and Mangu Station, book lending and returns are also possible.

Meanwhile, local libraries are fully dedicating themselves to preparing for reopening by disinfecting facilities and books, purchasing new books, managing computer equipment, and inspecting collections during the closure period.

Ryu Kyung-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu, said, "I believe many residents are feeling inconvenienced due to the closure of multi-use facilities such as libraries," and added, "Although you cannot use the library directly, I hope you safely enjoy reading at home through this 'Stay-at-Home Reading Campaign.'"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.