"Everything is there..." Public Libraries Only Missing in Wando and Gangjin

Public Library Site Selection Criticized for Poor Resident Accessibility

Mokpo Public Library, known as the representative library of the western region of Jeollanam-do, was opened in 1982 and newly rebuilt in October 1994. Photo by Mokpo Public Library

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] It has been revealed that only Wando-gun and Gangjin-gun in Jeonnam lack public libraries.

Public libraries are not simply institutions for book lending but serve as comprehensive educational institutions offering various educational and cultural programs, raising concerns that local residents are being discriminated against.

According to the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education on the 11th, public libraries operate in 19 out of the 22 cities and counties in Jeonnam.

These include Yeosu-si, Mokpo-si, Naju-si, Suncheon-si, Gwangyang-si, Goheung-gun, Jangseong-gun, Damyang-gun, Gokseong-gun, Gurye-gun, Boseong-gun, Hwasun-gun, Jangheung-gun, Haenam-gun, Yeongam-gun, Muan-gun, Hampyeong-gun, Yeonggwang-gun, and Jindo-gun.

Including Naju Nampyeong, Boseong Beolgyo, and Suncheonman Ecological Culture Education Center, the total reaches 22 locations.

Among these, newly constructed or expanded facilities include ▲Gokseong Education and Culture Center ▲Mokpo Public Library ▲Naju Public Library ▲Jeonnam Goheung Lifelong Education Center ▲Jangseong Public Library ▲Gwangyang Public Library ▲Damyang Public Library ▲Gurye Public Library ▲Boseong Public Library ▲Hwasun Public Library ▲Haenam Public Library ▲Yeonggwang Public Library ▲Jindo Public Library, totaling nine locations.

Public libraries are gaining attention as cultural and educational hubs for local residents, offering not only book lending services but also various programs targeting humanities, students, youth, mothers, and fathers.

However, residents of Wando, Gangjin, and Shinan areas are unable to enjoy these benefits.

These three are the only areas in Jeonnam without public libraries.

However, Shinan-gun is reportedly already progressing with a project to open a library in 2024, with a construction scale of 1,300㎡ on a 5,000㎡ site (two floors above ground, 160 reading seats).

Gangjin-gun is actively securing land after establishing concrete plans to promote a public library.

On the other hand, Wando-gun has been confirmed to have no concrete plans or site selection for establishing a public library.

Earlier this year, Wando-gun had actively promised to donate land and support 1 billion KRW but suddenly changed its stance.

The county is reportedly showing a passive attitude toward building a public library, citing plans to construct a complex library with a similar character to a public library.

However, there are claims that the location planned for the complex library is not suitable for residents to use.

The Wando Office of Education and local residents have requested a site with easy accessibility, stating that if the library location is hard to access, its efficiency will decrease even if it is opened.

An official from the Office of Education said, “The location recommended by Wando-gun is too far from the town center and on the outskirts. If a building is simply constructed in a location with poor public transportation, the library loses its meaning,” adding, “It should be established in a location with good accessibility so that residents can benefit educationally.”

He continued, “A public library is not just an institution for lending books,” and added, “It is a specialized educational institution where education experts directly develop and research educational programs to provide various educational services to residents.”

Some have compared Yeongam-gun and Wando-gun, noting that Yeongam-gun abruptly changed the planned site for a new public library from Wolchulsan Gichan Land to the Gyodong district after considering resident accessibility and gathering public opinion.

A local resident said, “Since there is no public library in Wando, I have been going to Haenam,” and expressed disappointment, saying, “I had high expectations when I saw banners saying ‘Establishment of Wando Public Library’ hanging here and there last May, but suddenly the words changed, so honestly, I am disappointed.”

Jeonnam Provincial Assembly member Lee Cheol said, “I have made several proposals to the county regarding the establishment of a public library, but there has been little progress,” and demanded, “It is useless to just build facilities here and there without fulfilling their roles. There is a need for a specialized educational institution that both students and the general public can participate in.”

He added, “Education is called a ‘hundred-year plan.’ Saying that the library cannot be established because there is no site in the town center while Wando residents have to go to Haenam for education is an excuse,” and pointed out, “If there is will, nothing is impossible.”

A county official explained, “The library project has stalled because the Office of Education raised concerns about site accessibility. Separately from the public library, Wando-gun is planning to build a children’s complex cultural library on its own,” and said, “We believe that the library operated by the county and the one by the Office of Education have the same character. If the local government operates it directly, residents are expected to receive more benefits.”

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