Seongdong-gu Operates U-Library for Borrowing and Returning Books Near Home

From the 11th, unmanned reservation book loan and return machines newly installed at SinGeumho Station on Subway Line 5, allowing easy pickup and return of reserved books from Seongdong-gu Public Library
5 Smart Libraries and 2 Bookstorages have cumulatively loaned over 47,000 books as of July in 3 years, enhancing library accessibility and promoting reading habits

Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeong Won-oh) announced that it will expand the Booktorage service starting from the 11th by newly installing a Ubiquitous (U)-Library book lending and return machine at Singeumho Station on Subway Line 5.

The Booktorage service is a convenience service that allows users to easily pick up and return books from Seongdong-gu public libraries reserved through the Seongdong-gu Integrated Library website at unmanned book lending and return machines installed in subway stations and other locations.

The district operates unmanned book lending and return machines that enable contactless borrowing and returning of books, making it convenient for commuters and residents living far from libraries to use. Since first introducing the Booktorage service at Oksu Station in 2015, additional smart libraries with instant lending capabilities were installed at Oksu Station, Geumho Station, and Sangwangsimni Station in 2018. In 2021, a smart library was added at Seongsu Station, and in 2022, a nighttime Booktorage service was introduced at Seongdong-gu public libraries.

Last year, a smart library was also installed at Majang Station, bringing the total number of smart libraries and Booktorage locations to seven.

As of July this year, the cumulative number of books borrowed through smart libraries and Booktorage over the past three years has reached approximately 47,000 volumes. This has significantly improved library accessibility for residents who previously found it difficult to visit libraries due to distance and time constraints, and is also evaluated to have had a positive impact on fostering a reading culture.

The district plans to provide Booktorage services starting from the 11th by additionally installing an unmanned reserved book lending and return machine at Exit 1 of Singeumho Station on Subway Line 5. Residents will be able to borrow books more conveniently without the inconvenience of visiting the library separately.

Any regular member of the Seongdong-gu public libraries can use the service. Those without a membership card can use it by signing up for the 'Seoul Citizen Card' app. Up to two books can be borrowed per person for a maximum of 14 days, with the loan period extendable once by 10 days. However, usage is restricted if there are overdue books.

Jeong Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, stated, “We have installed and are operating unmanned book lending and return machines so that residents can borrow and read books conveniently and without burden near their homes.” He added, “We will continue to strive to promote a reading culture and do our best to implement community-based policies that enhance residents’ daily convenience.”

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