[This Person] Ryugyeonggi Jungnang-gu Mayor: Why So Focused on 'Reading Jungnang'?

The 23rd Reading Contest Held, Entries Accepted Until September 24... Call for Book Reports and Letters from Residents, Local Students, and Workers Until September 24

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Ryoo Kyung-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu, is receiving praise from residents for his full efforts to create a 'Reading Jungnang.'

Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryoo Kyung-gi, photo) is holding the "23rd Jungnang-gu Reading Contest" until September 24 to promote the reading culture in the area.

The "Jungnang-gu Reading Contest," hosted by the Saemaeul Library Jungnang-gu Branch (Chairman Yoo Byung-do) and supported by the district office, is part of the core project of the 7th local government administration, the "Reading Jungnang" project. Last year, about 98 works were submitted, showing high interest from residents.

The contest categories are "Book Report" and "Letter," divided into five groups: lower elementary, upper elementary, middle school, high school, and university/general. For the "Book Report," participants can freely choose any book, but given the growing importance of responding to the climate crisis, books related to greenhouse gas emission zero are recommended. The "Letter" should be written to express feelings to family or acquaintances.

The length of the "Book Report" should be approximately 6 manuscript pages for elementary school students, 10 pages for middle and high school students, and 12 pages for university/general participants, based on 200-character manuscript sheets. The "Letter" should be within 2 pages of A4 paper.

Anyone who is a resident of Jungnang-gu or a student/worker in the area can participate. Submit one handwritten work by visiting the Saemaeul Library Jungnang-gu Branch at Jungnang-gu Myeonmok-ro 238, 2nd floor, inside the Jungnang-gu Community Center, or by mail.

After judging, a total of 30 works will be selected as winners, and the results can be checked on October 4 on the Jungnang-gu Office website. The winning works will be included in "Jungnang Literature" around December and will qualify for the Seoul preliminary round of the 41st National Reading Contest for the President's Cup.

Mayor Ryoo Kyung-gi said, "Since it is difficult to go on summer vacation due to COVID-19, I hope everyone enjoys a safe bookcation at home this year and participates in the contest. We will continue to work hard to ensure residents can easily access books anywhere by increasing public libraries and smart libraries within a 10-minute distance."

The district is working to expand public libraries such as the public library in the Junghwa 2-dong Complex Building and the Myeonmok Reservoir Culture and Sports Complex Center (library) so residents can read nearby. The "Read 1,000 Books Before School" program, which helps young children develop reading habits, has also been well received, with 5,258 participants and 115 achieving the goal as of June.