Free Bookstart Book Packages Delivered to Families with Young Children Struggling to Visit Libraries Due to COVID-19... Apply by August 22 via Mapo Central Library Website or QR Code on Promotional Poster
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] “The Bukstart delivery from Mapo-gu has arrived. I gave up on picking it up in person, but after seeing the notice that they accept delivery requests, I applied and it arrived yesterday. There are two picture books, and the baby really likes them. The baby has brought them several times yesterday and today, asking me to read them.”
On the 16th, a review of the Bukstart delivery service posted in the Mapo area parenting community received a string of replies such as “The back view of the baby reading is adorable,” “Thank you for letting me know,” and “I applied thanks to you.”
Mapo-gu (Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun) is operating a Bukstart book package delivery service for infants before and after their first birthday, considering the COVID-19 situation.
This is the “2021 Mapo-gu Seoul Bukstart” project, which gifts book packages consisting of two stage-specific picture books, a Bukstart eco bag, and a guidebook to infants. Previously, recipients had to visit libraries in person to receive the book packages, but this year, due to COVID-19 making library visits difficult for families with infants, a delivery service was introduced so they can safely receive the packages at home.
The target for the “2021 Mapo-gu Seoul Bukstart” project is infants born between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021, whose registered address is in Mapo-gu (based on resident registration certificate).
Infants before their first birthday receive the stage 1 book package, and those after their first birthday receive the stage 2 book package.
Families wishing to use the Bukstart book package delivery service can apply by registering as a member on the Mapo-gu Public Library website under the baby’s name, then applying through the Mapo Central Library website or the QR code on the promotional poster.
The application period is from July 6 to August 22 and will close on a first-come, first-served basis.
A district official said, “You can receive the book package at home about 1 to 2 weeks after applying,” and “We plan to deliver book packages by delivery to a total of 200 infant families.” However, infants who have already received a book package cannot apply, and the book package can only be received once per stage.
Meanwhile, families who want to pick up the Bukstart book package in person can visit public libraries, small libraries, or 16 community service centers within the district. Community service centers distribute only stage 1 packages, while other institutions distribute up to stage 2.
When visiting, you must bring the baby’s health record book, resident registration certificate, and guardian’s ID for verification. From this year, infants eligible for the stage 2 book package must be registered on the library website.
The “2021 Mapo-gu Seoul Bukstart” project aims to support proper reading habits for infants and improve library accessibility under the motto “Start life with books.” It is hosted by Seoul Library, sponsored by Bukstart Korea, and implemented by Mapo-gu Public Library.
Yoo Dong-gyun, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, “Through the Bukstart project, I hope children get closer to books and experience the diverse worlds within them to develop their thinking,” and “Since we introduced the delivery service this year to maintain a reading culture despite COVID-19, we expect many families with infants to participate.”
For more details, visit the Mapo-gu Public Library website, and for inquiries, contact the Library Operations Team at Mapo Central Library.
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