Book Havens Open at Highway Rest Areas

Rest Areas Evolve into Family-Friendly Cultural Spaces
'Aisarang Library' Opens Third and Fourth Branches at Yeongcheon Rest Area
Integrated Book Lending and Exchange Services Now Available Across Four Locations
From Books to Toys: Plans for Expanding Participatory Family Experiences

The Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional Headquarters of Korea Expressway Corporation is transforming highway rest areas from simple stopover points into spaces where culture and education coexist.

Korea Expressway Corporation and Saemaeul Library Open ‘Child Love Library’ Branches 3 and 4 at Yeongcheon Rest Area… A Signal for Expanding Family-Friendly Infrastructure

On August 26, the opening of the third and fourth branches of the 'Aisarang Library' at the Yeongcheon Rest Area (both directions) on the Saemangeum-Pohang Expressway marks the symbolic beginning of this initiative.

With this opening, a total of four 'Aisarang Library' branches are now in operation, following the first and second branches at the Chilgok Rest Area on the Gyeongbu Expressway. An integrated service has been launched, allowing users to borrow and return books at any of the four locations. The model goes beyond simply lending books; it enables visitors to exchange books brought from home and even receive rewards, such as coffee coupons, by verifying their participation on social media, highlighting its participatory and autonomous approach.

◆ Rest Areas Connected by Books, Serving as Hubs of Local Culture

The 'Aisarang Library' was designed to help children naturally engage with books instead of smartphones during long journeys. Parents can enjoy their meals with peace of mind, while children have a space to rest and read.

A representative from Korea Expressway Corporation stated, "In an era of low birth rates, what is needed is not just convenience, but family-friendly experiences," adding, "Rest areas are evolving into essential infrastructure that supports a society where raising children is easier."

On this day, a book donation agreement was also signed between the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional Headquarters of Korea Expressway Corporation and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Branch of Saemaeul Library. By establishing a wide-area agreement system that goes beyond small local library units, the possibility of nationwide expansion of rest area libraries has been opened.

◆ "From Books to Toys"... Announcing Diversification of Services

The two organizations plan to expand the rest area libraries into comprehensive cultural and play spaces by introducing services such as toy rentals and experiential events, in addition to simple book lending. The goal is to establish an attractive family-friendly platform for both children and parents, rather than just a 'rest area library.'

Yoo Hosik, Head of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional Headquarters of Korea Expressway Corporation, emphasized, "The Aisarang Library is not only a space for rest and learning through books, but also provides parents with a moment of relaxation and offers children a new culture to replace smartphones. We will continue to expand to more rest areas to meet the diverse needs of our customers."

The opening of the 'Aisarang Library' branches is noteworthy as a public service innovation that goes beyond simply expanding rest area amenities. The introduction of autonomous systems, such as no return deadlines and book exchanges, reflects Korea Expressway Corporation's efforts to influence even the daily habits of the public.

Above all, the wide-area book donation agreement is significant in that it may help bridge cultural gaps between regions and spark innovation in rest area-based living infrastructure. This marks the moment when highway rest areas, once centers of transportation and logistics, are transforming into family-friendly and cultural platforms.

'Ai Sarang Library' Branches 3 and 4

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