Gyeonggi-do Library Hosts Monthly "Reading Books with Your Bottom Challenge"

The Gyeonggi-do Library regularly hosts the "Reading Books with Your Bottom Challenge" on the fourth Saturday of every month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., aiming to foster daily reading habits and promote a reading culture among local residents.

The challenge takes place on the third floor's camping zone and the Gyeonggi Book Trail within the library, operating under three simple rules: "No digital devices," "No distractions," and "Only reading."

Participants immerse themselves in focused reading within the "Reading Zone" during the designated time. If they wish to engage in other activities, they can move to the "Distraction Zone," and when it is time to share their reading time and personal reflections, they can proceed to the "Record Zone."

The inaugural challenge, held in conjunction with Library Day on April 12, attracted a total of 104 participants both online and offline. Rather than focusing on competition, the event emphasized the shared experience of immersing in books together, adding further meaning to the challenge.

The Gyeonggi-do Library plans to continue the challenge through December this year, further strengthening its role as a "hub of reading culture" where residents can read together and share their experiences, and encouraging individual reading experiences to spread throughout the local community.

Gyeonggi Provincial Library conducts the 'Reading Books with Your Butt Challenge' every month. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

Participants are awarded "Cheonkwon Reading Points," and those who participate five times or more will also receive reading-themed merchandise.

On June 27, a special challenge will be held in collaboration with the reading club "Silent Reading Club." This club, operated monthly by Kim Jieun, head of the independent publisher Soseosa, invites participants to each bring a book and read together quietly.

Yoon Myunghee, Director of Gyeonggi-do Library, stated, "In an environment dominated by rapidly consumed content and digital distractions, simply sitting down and immersing oneself in a book can be a meaningful experience. I hope people participate without pressure and discover the joy of personal reading and deep focus."

Meanwhile, internationally, reading trends such as "Reading Parties" and "Silent Reading Clubs"—where people gather to read their own books together—are spreading as new forms of reading culture. In line with this trend, Gyeonggi-do Library plans to expand a community-based reading culture that encourages sharing and collective enjoyment of individual reading experiences.

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