Gyeonggi-do to Open 15 Smart Libraries This Year

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province will install 'Smart Libraries' at 15 locations within the province this year, including Yeoju Station. Smart Libraries are unmanned book lending machines installed in areas with high foot traffic, such as stations. Each machine will stock 400 to 500 books, and with a library membership card or member ID, individuals can borrow 2 to 3 books.

On the 30th, Gyeonggi Province announced that it will invest 342 million KRW of provincial funds this year to support 12 additional locations.

The new installation sites include nine locations: ▲ Yongin City Hall Yongin University Station ▲ Goyang Baengma Station ▲ Pyeongtaek Seojeong-ri Station ▲ Anyang Indeogwon Station ▲ Gwangmyeong Haan Intersection ▲ Guri Galmae Station ▲ Yeoju Baegun Community Center ▲ Yeoju Yeoju Station ▲ Gapyeong Bukmyeon Communication Center. The remaining three locations will be selected through an additional public contest.

Additionally, with national government support, three more locations will be established, increasing the total number of Smart Libraries in the province from 95 to 110.

The province has been supporting Smart Libraries since 2015. Reflecting the demand for contactless lending due to the spread of COVID-19, the number has increased from 45 locations in 2019 to 95 currently.

Smart Libraries vary by region, including simple vending machine types or reservation-based lending types that require prior booking. Since the stocked books and the number of books available for lending differ, users are advised to inquire in advance at the relevant city or county libraries for more accurate information.

Andonggwang, Director of the Provincial Lifelong Education Bureau, stated, "In the atmosphere of social distancing, Smart Libraries, which allow borrowing books without restrictions of time and place, are a COVID-19 response method of public libraries that ensures both safety and convenience." He emphasized, "We will continue to consider the role of public libraries in the untact era and support and expand alternative services such as Smart Libraries and e-book subscription services."

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