Geumcheon-gu Doksan 1-dong 'Chamsae Small Library' Reopens After Remodeling

Existing small libraries and youth reading rooms integrated into open learning and reading spaces...Reorganized into demand-tailored spaces accessible to infants, disabled, seniors, and all users...Expanded new books reflecting user demand including child-related DVDs, health, and welfare

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Geumcheon-gu (Mayor Yuseonghun) will remodel the ‘Chamsae Small Library’ as part of the ‘Living SOC Small Library Creation Project,’ a key initiative of the 7th local government, and reopen it on the 24th.

The Chamsae Small Library first opened in April 2013 on the 3rd floor of the Hannae Welfare Center located in Geumcheon-gu Doksan 1-dong branch office. It has a total area of 262.34㎡ and was previously divided into a small library and a youth reading room. However, due to low usage of the youth reading room, the library began an integrated remodeling project in March last year with a national subsidy of 100 million won to improve it into a more efficient learning and reading space.

To reorganize the library into a user-centered space, residents, users, operators, and designers gathered together before planning to brainstorm ways to transform the library into a space loved by all residents.

Considering the proximity of daycare centers, elementary schools, workshops for the disabled, senior welfare centers, and senior citizen centers near the Chamsae Small Library, priority was given to creating a space accessible to infants, children, youth, the disabled, and seniors, as well as a barrier-free space for easy mobility.

The library entrance was made spacious enough to accommodate strollers and wheelchair users. Inside the library, various ‘reading seats’ were created for reading books or using laptops, a ‘sound room’ where parents can read books aloud with their children, and a lounge where anyone can comfortably sit, read, and relax, transforming the space into one where all residents can enjoy reading comfortably.

Additionally, air-purifying plants were placed throughout the library to provide users with a pleasant environment for reading.

Not only was the space changed, but over 1,000 new books reflecting diverse user needs were added, and themed books were exhibited to create an environment where various books can be encountered.

Furthermore, original illustrations from picture books were displayed at the library entrance and lounge to create a cozy atmosphere that makes residents feel more familiar with the library.

The Chamsae Small Library’s operating hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Currently, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the reading rooms are closed until the situation stabilizes, with only book lending and returns available, and the library is closed on Saturdays.

Mayor Yuseonghun said, “I hope the library will become not just a place to read books but a community gathering place where neighbors meet and communicate through books, and a space that adds happiness to residents’ lives through reading culture programs linked with the local community.”