Opening of the Small Library at Gwanak-gu Samsung-dong Community Center

Creation of Resident-Participatory Themed Libraries Reflecting Resident Opinions... Complete Transformation of Libraries Through Environmental Improvement Projects... Completion of 5 Themed Libraries as Part of the 7th Term Public Election Pledges

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Junhee) has renovated the long-deteriorated “Samsung-dong Community Center Small Library” (Hoam-ro 520, 1st floor) and reopened it on the 12th.

The Samsung-dong Community Center Small Library is significant as a resident-participatory themed library that reflected residents' opinions from the design stage.

This project was carried out through a public-private consultative body composed of librarians, public officials, residents, and experts, conducting various discussions from design to purchasing and arranging supplies, as well as future operation plans to improve the library environment.

Through the environmental improvement project, the floor and ceiling contaminated by moisture and mold were completely demolished and replaced, a new bookshelf was installed in the infant space, providing a pleasant reading environment. In addition to the existing infant and child spaces, a youth space was newly created to maximize the use of space by generation.

The operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Interlibrary loan applications are also available.

Meanwhile, since the launch of the 7th local government administration, the district has focused on strengthening the competitiveness of small libraries by promoting the creation of “themed libraries,” completing a total of five themed libraries including a picture book specialized library (Cheongnyong-dong), a creative activity library (Seonghyeon-dong), and a media library (Seonghyeon-dong).

In particular, the Cheongnyong-dong “Geurimsup Picture Book Library” (Cheongnyong 9-gil 12-39) is a specialized library that resonates with all generations from children to the elderly, providing a space where anyone can communicate through picture books and relax comfortably.

Also, keeping pace with the 4th Industrial Revolution era, the “Byeol★byeol Creative Dream Space Bonghyeon Small Library” (Gwanak-ro 255-7), which has a makerspace equipped with 3D printers, 3D pens, laser cutters, and other creative activity tools, enhances the media utilization capabilities of local residents.

As such, themed libraries are specialized libraries that add distinctiveness and expertise to existing libraries, serving as open channels for books and spaces for healing, further strengthening the competitiveness of libraries.

Mayor Park Junhee, concluding the themed library creation project pursued as a campaign pledge, said, “The themed libraries will comfort the tired bodies and minds of residents going through difficult times due to COVID-19 and become places of communication and learning with neighbors.” He added, “We will continue to strive for wise reading habits and the cultivation of a mature reading culture by implementing library policies that meet diverse demands and changes in the times.”

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