Gyeonggi-do 'Small Library' Contributes to Childcare... 3,438 Beneficiaries Over 5 Years

Gyeonggi-do Idolbom Small Library

It has been revealed that the numerous 'small libraries' scattered throughout the Gyeonggi region are making a significant contribution to childcare.

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 21st that over the past five years, 3,438 people have benefited from childcare through the 'Small Library Childcare Reading Culture Program,' which was introduced in 2019 to address blind spots in childcare.

Small libraries selected for the childcare reading culture program operate childcare services for 5 hours a day, 5 days a week, caring for children while conducting reading culture programs at least twice a week. The program targets elementary school students from grades 1 to 6, and children of the same age outside of school are also eligible.

In addition to basic after-school care, various programs such as reading, play, and culture that utilize the characteristics of small libraries are being operated.

According to a satisfaction survey conducted by Gyeonggi Province from September 15 to October 13 targeting parents of children in care, 85% of respondents answered 'strongly agree' regarding the usefulness of the program.

In particular, Gyeonggi Province explained that the satisfaction survey results confirmed that the childcare support project using small libraries, which have good accessibility from home and school, is expanding the public role of small libraries in areas lacking childcare infrastructure and contributing to the local community.

To respond to the demand for public childcare services, Gyeonggi Province plans to expand the number of small libraries providing childcare from 75 this year to 80 next year.

The status of small libraries providing childcare can be checked on the Gyeonggi Province Cyber Library website (https://www.library.kr).

Kim Dong-ju, Director of the Library Policy Division of Gyeonggi Province, said, "We hope that small libraries will become the center of local living culture based on residents' participation and autonomy," and added, "We will do our best to ensure that both parents and children in need of care are fully satisfied."

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