Mapo-gu Senior Reading Club Utilizing 'Large Print Books'

Published 02 Jul.2021 00:12(KST)

Activities, Discussions, and Creative Projects Using Books Produced with Enlarged Text Size

Mapo-gu Senior Reading Club Utilizing 'Large Print Books'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Mapo-gu (Mayor Yudonggyun) will hold a reading club for the elderly called ‘Chaeg-euro Hwaljjak 60+’ at Mapo Central Library starting next month, in line with the ultra-aged society.

‘Chaeg-euro Hwaljjak 60+’ (hereafter ‘Chaeg-euro Hwaljjak’) is a club meaning ‘Let’s cultivate the second act of life together,’ selecting customized themes for the elderly each year. This year’s theme is ‘Large Print Books.’

Large print books refer to books produced with font sizes approximately 1.5 times larger than regular books to facilitate comfortable reading for people with low vision.

Through this reading club, the district expects to enhance accessibility and familiarity with large print books among the elderly, supporting their reading activities despite difficulties caused by vision deterioration and other reasons.

‘Chaeg-euro Hwaljjak’ will be held over 12 sessions, utilizing four large print books.

Two books are designated by the instructor: To the Daffodil (by Jeong Hoseung) and Cleaning the House of the Dead (by Kim Wan), while the other two will be selected by participants through consultation after the reading club begins.

‘Chaeg-euro Hwaljjak’ will take place on the 4th floor, Cultural Lecture Room 3, of Mapo Central Library every Tuesday from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. After reading together, creative activities and discussions suitable to the theme and content will be conducted.

Notably, the final 12th session will feature a presentation of the participants’ activity results at the gallery on the 1st floor of Mapo Central Library, alongside an exhibition of large print books, drawing attention.

This year’s reading club is especially notable as four large print books used during the meetings are provided free of charge thanks to cooperation with Kim Youngsa Co., Ltd. and the Successful Reading Coaching Center, easing the financial burden on participating seniors.

‘Chaeg-euro Hwaljjak’ is open to any senior aged 65 or older whose administrative address is in Mapo-gu.

Currently, applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for 15 participants. Applications can be made through the Mapo Central Library website, by phone, or by visiting the 4th floor (Reading Room II) of Mapo Central Library.

Yudonggyun, Mayor of Mapo-gu, stated, “We will continue to strive to develop programs for a wide range of participants so that seniors can fully enjoy diverse and profound reading experiences.”