Open Conversation Between Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, and Library Librarians

Policy Dialogue Continues to Improve Public Services and Revitalize Library Operations

‘Frankly’, ‘Without Materials’, and ‘Freely’ - District Mayor and Librarians Explore Ways to Develop Libraries

Mapo-gu (District Mayor Park Gang-su) is drawing attention as it continues policy dialogues aimed at enhancing public services and strengthening the substance of library operations, in addition to expanding infrastructure for revitalizing library operations.

In March, the district held a ‘Public Library Operation Network Meeting’ chaired by the Director of Welfare Cooperation, where heads of small libraries and district officials gathered to share major government and city policies related to libraries and explore ways to activate operations for each library.

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, recognizing that the role of librarians who handle frontline tasks is crucial for improving public services and revitalizing libraries, ordered the arrangement of policy dialogues with frontline staff.

On the afternoon of the 1st, a dialogue session with librarians, initiated by Mayor Park Gang-su, was held ‘frankly’, ‘without materials’, and ‘freely’. A total of 22 participants attended, including 18 heads and librarians responsible for operating district libraries such as Mapo Central Library, Seogang Library, and small libraries, as well as relevant department heads.

Mayor Park Gang-su and the policy dialogue participants put their heads together to openly discuss difficulties in library operations and exchanged opinions on ways to improve and revitalize the operation of district libraries.

During the policy dialogue, numerous issues and development plans were raised, such as requests for improvements due to aging facilities and manpower support for nighttime openings. Mayor Park Gang-su listened carefully to the librarians’ difficulties and pledged to promptly resolve urgent civil complaints. He proposed forming a win-win committee to gather expert opinions from librarians and specialists to prepare revitalization plans, sharing the future vision of district libraries.

Mayor Park Gang-su of Mapo-gu said, “Through today’s dialogue, I have come to understand libraries much better. As before, I will strive to expand infrastructure, enhance communication, and provide support so that our 15 district libraries, including Mapo Central Library, can be spaces that enrich the lives of residents.”

The district stated, “We will continue efforts to improve librarians’ working conditions and welfare, and plan to hold the ‘Public Library Operation Network Meeting’ quarterly to devise revitalization plans and listen to voices from the field.”

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