'An Essay You Want to Read in a Hanok'?

Jongno-gu Operates Reading Programs and Events Available Online

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Although it is the perfect season to recharge your emotions with literature while enjoying the pleasant spring breeze, most public libraries remain closed due to COVID-19.

Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) also has temporarily closed its 17 district-run libraries, but it is holding reading-related programs and fun events online to help residents continue enjoying the pleasure of reading at home.

First, the literature-specialized library, Cheongun Literature Library, is hosting the “Cheongun BOOK-DREAM” event, a shared bookshelf created and filled together with users.

Until April 12, participants can submit recommended books and reasons under the theme “Essays I Want to Read in the Hanok of Cheongun Literature Library.” Applications are accepted through the Jongno Cultural Foundation blog (https://blog.naver.com/jn_jfac), and selected books will be displayed on the shelves. Five outstanding participants will receive book gifts reminiscent of spring.

The “My Life Poem” event invites participants to handwrite their favorite poem, take a photo, and upload it on Instagram with hashtags. All participants will receive benefits of double the loan period and double the number of books they can borrow. Selected outstanding works will be exhibited separately within the library.

The audiovisual-specialized library, Areumkkum Library, is running an online reading certification program called “I am the Reading King.” Participants upload photos of themselves reading in the comments section of the Jongno Cultural Foundation blog, along with the book title, a favorite passage, and their membership number to enjoy special member benefits.

A home-viewing reading play performance is also available. The play “Is It All Because You’re My Sister?” held at Areumkkum Library last December can be watched for free on the blog until April 26. After watching the video, leaving a comment with a review enters you into a drawing to win a book signed by author Jeon Kyung-nam.

The gugak-specialized library focusing on beautiful Korean sounds, Woorisori Library, introduces two pieces of Woorisori music and two books every Tuesday and Thursday under the theme “Books Meet Music,” perfect for enjoying while reading.

They also find and recommend music that pairs well with the book you are currently reading. In the first week of April, when spring flowers are beautiful, they recommend fun art-related books and music to help you easily cross the seemingly high threshold of art.

“Sambong Seorang Small Library,” operated within the district office building with the concept of a lifestyle library within a 10-minute walk, is running an online reading support program called “Living Library.” During the temporary closure, they recommend e-books and post related reviews to encourage reading. Recommended books can be accessed through the Jongno District Public Library e-book website (http://elib.jongno.go.kr).

Since Mayor Kim Young-jong first took office in the 5th local government term, Jongno-gu has opened a total of 17 public libraries, helping residents enjoy a cultural life close to home without having to travel far.

In particular, by designating “specialized libraries” rather than general libraries, they have created substantial spaces that comprehensively cover topics from literature to audiovisual, ecology, and gugak, receiving positive responses from residents.

Currently, all 17 libraries are temporarily closed until the COVID-19 situation is resolved to prevent the spread of the virus. For more details, please refer to the Jongno District Public Library website (http://lib.jongno.go.kr) or contact the Education and Library Operations Team at Jongno District Office.

Mayor Kim Young-jong stated, “We have had to extend the closure of various public facilities, including libraries, to participate in social distancing. I ask everyone to actively join social distancing to protect our health and that of others. We will support residents so they do not miss the joy of reading by providing various reading-related programs that can be enjoyed at home.”

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