Gwangju Buk-gu Opens 'Smart Library' at Gwangju Station Plaza

Published 13 Jul.2021 10:03(KST)

Providing Year-Round Unmanned Book Return and Loan Service

Gwangju Buk-gu Opens 'Smart Library' at Gwangju Station Plaza

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (District Mayor Moon In) announced on the 13th that it will hold the opening ceremony of the smart library at Gwangju Station Square on the 14th and begin full-scale operation.

The newly established smart library was selected through the '2021 U-Library Service Support Project' competition hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and provides unmanned book lending and return services.

This unmanned automated device allows users to easily borrow and return books without visiting the district public library, and is stocked with about 500 books including new releases and bestsellers, operating 365 days a year.

Anyone can use it by holding a Buk-gu public library membership card or by receiving a membership card non-face-to-face through the public library app 'Libropia.' Books can be borrowed up to 3 per person for a maximum of 2 weeks.

Previously, Buk-gu signed a business agreement with the Korea Railroad Corporation Gwangju-Jeonnam Headquarters to operate the smart library, and as non-face-to-face services have become important due to COVID-19, the plan is to provide residents with a safe and convenient reading environment.

Moon In, Mayor of Buk-gu, said, “In the future, we will build various infrastructures not only for the smart library but also to satisfy residents' reading desires and promote culture.”

Meanwhile, the area around Gwangju Station was selected as a national pilot innovation district for urban regeneration last year, and a major startup town in the Honam region is planned to be established. As the resident population and Gwangju Station users increase accordingly, the smart library is also expected to become more active.