Reorganization of Spaces at Geumcheon-gu Doksan Library and Gasan Library

Haeoreum Small Library · Chamse Small Library Transformed into User-Centered Spaces

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Geumcheon-gu (Mayor Yuseonghun) has transformed local libraries into user-centered spaces in response to rapidly changing social environments such as low birth rates, an aging society, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Under the motto "Library for All," which changes our lives, the district began a space improvement project in March last year for a total of four locations, including Geumcheon-gu public libraries and small libraries, completing all remodeling by May this year.

In particular, the Geumcheon-gu Public Doksan Library, the district's representative library built in 1999, underwent a major remodeling on its 20th anniversary, reborn as a user-centered public library.

To this end, resident workshops and briefings were held twice in March and June last year, reflecting residents' opinions to redesign the space with universal design so that seniors, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and anyone can use it without difficulty.

The library was reconfigured to enhance user convenience with features such as an "outdoor reading room" where visitors can enjoy nature in an outdoor bamboo forest, a book caf? "Reading Lounge" with low bookshelves for comfortable reading, and an "open table reading room" for studying in an open space.

The Geumcheon-gu Public Gasan Library was reorganized to match the reputation of Gasan Digital Complex as a hub of advanced industries and youth activities. The 6th floor, which previously housed a restaurant, was transformed into a makerspace-type multipurpose room including a cultural lecture room, a children's lecture room tailored to infants' eye levels, and a living room-style book caf? "Bookstay" suitable for small performances.

Additionally, the "Haeoreum Small Library" located in Doksan 1-dong Community Center was equipped with an art playground and program room for art activities, exhibitions, and watching movies and music, while the "Chamsae Small Library" in the Doksan 1-dong Community Center branch was remodeled into a barrier-free space accessible to infants, children, youth, people with disabilities, and seniors.

Moreover, in December last year, the district newly opened the "Chaekdalsaem Forest Small Library" in Gamrocheon Ecological Park, Doksan-dong, where visitors can read books surrounded by forest in nature. Once the COVID-19 crisis subsides, the district plans to operate nature-friendly programs such as ecological reading programs to enhance children's sensitivity and forest exercise programs to promote the health of local seniors.

To revitalize the local reading culture, the district operates various reading culture programs at 15 public libraries, including four public libraries and 11 small libraries. Currently, all libraries are temporarily closed following government guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but the district is operating a safe book reservation and lending service to satisfy residents' reading needs.

Mayor Yuseonghun said, "Many residents are going through difficult times due to COVID-19," adding, "We eagerly look forward to the day when the spread of COVID-19 calms down and we can show residents the newly transformed libraries as soon as possible."