Gangnam-gu Sees 75% Increase in Electronic Library Usage

Temporary Closure of Public Libraries Encourages Online Reading Activities... Surge in Usage of Digital Libraries and Audiobooks

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gangnam-gu (District Mayor Jung Soon-gyun) reported that during the temporary closure of public libraries, online reading activities were encouraged, resulting in a 75% increase in the use of the electronic library in March compared to last year.

Last month, the number of loans from Gangnam-gu's electronic library was 23,387, a 75% increase from 13,335 during the same period last year. The most borrowed books were "The Plague" (82 times), "Brave New World" (52 times), and "Demian" (33 times).

Gangnam-gu's electronic library holds about 22,000 titles and 340,000 e-books, and those wishing to borrow can use the service after registering on the website (ebook.gangnam.go.kr).

Additionally, OverDrive, which provides original books for children by reading level, saw a 326% increase from last year with 409 loans, and audiobooks, or "books listened to by ear," increased by 112% from 2,138 loans in March last year to 4,542 loans this year.

The OverDrive and audiobook services can be accessed through Dogok Information and Culture Library (library.gangnam.go.kr/dogoklib).

Kim Yong-man, Director of the Culture and Sports Division, said, "Even during the closure due to COVID-19, Gangnam residents can enjoy library services at home through various online reading culture programs such as SNS-based book curation and podcast operation," adding, "We will continue to foster a 'reading Gangnam' atmosphere and expand cultural enjoyment opportunities for residents."

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