Gangdong-gu's Full-Scale Start Toward Becoming a 'City of Books'

Appointed as Seoul's First Chief Library Planner... Systematic Support for Local Library Policies through Expert Advice on Library Construction and Management

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gangdong-gu (District Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon) is promoting a library expansion project where residents can enjoy culture and leisure activities within walking distance in each zone.

In this regard, to build libraries reflecting local characteristics and to improve the operational efficiency of each library, Gangdong-gu appointed the city's first-ever library general planner on the 15th.

Following the opening of the Dunchon Public Library in November last year, Gangdong-gu is also promoting the construction of public libraries in Sangil-dong (on the site of the former tennis court in Myeongil Neighborhood Park) and within the Dunchon Jugong Reconstruction Complex (in the form of a donation).

Additionally, to provide local residents with a place to relax in daily life, the first Book Cafe Library, where visitors can read while drinking tea, was opened in September last year. The district aims to establish the 6th branch this year and the 10th branch by 2022.

The newly appointed library general planner will set the direction for creating library spaces infused with Gangdong's unique story during the design and construction of public and Book Cafe libraries, providing comprehensive consulting support.

Furthermore, the planner will serve as a private expert advisor, offering comprehensive advice on various programs individually promoted by the libraries.

To this end, on February 15th, the district appointed Professor Ko Jae-min of the Department of Interior Architecture Design at Suwon Science College as the library general planner. Professor Ko, a librarian architect well-versed in both architecture and library information science, currently serves as a member of the Seoul and Gyeonggi-do Library Information Service Committees and has participated in the construction of highly regarded libraries such as Uijeongbu Art Library and Jeonju Kkotshim Library.

Lee Jeong-hoon, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, stated, “The library expansion project centered on Book Cafes is a core part of the ‘Gangdong-style Spatial Welfare’ policy. With the advice of the library general planner, we will do our best to establish high-quality reading spaces and systems so that all residents can enjoy the best library services anytime and anywhere.”

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