[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Tae-in] Namwon City, Jeonbuk, decided to fully implement the 'Book Price Refund' project from the 21st after receiving favorable reviews from citizens during the pilot operation from June to July.
According to Namwon City on the 21st, the 'Book Price Refund' project allows citizens who purchase books at bookstores in the Namwon area to read them and bring the purchased books along with receipts proving the purchase to public libraries (Namwon City Library and Children's and Youth Library) within one month. Up to two books can be fully reimbursed in Namwon Love Gift Certificates.
The Namwon City Library, which had been operating under restrictions due to COVID-19, initiated this project to alleviate citizens' difficulties, support local bookstores struggling against online bookstores, and revitalize the local economy.
Previously, during the two-month pilot operation from June to July, 377 citizens participated in the 'Book Price Refund' project, purchasing and reading approximately 643 books from local bookstores and exchanging 7,454,000 KRW in Namwon Love Gift Certificates.
Seeing the positive effects of this project, such as expanding citizens' reading opportunities, increasing the use of local bookstores, and contributing to the local economy through the return of local gift certificates, the city reflected these results by supplementing related ordinances, securing additional project funds, and deciding to continue the project.
Lee Hwan-joo, Mayor of Namwon City, stated, "I hope the 'Book Price Refund' project will further enhance citizens' reading opportunities," adding, "I also hope it will contribute to revitalizing local bookstores that are declining due to competition from large and online bookstores."
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