On the 19th, Son Gijeong Cultural Library Reopens Expanded to Three Times Its Original Size... Offering Unique Cultural Experiences Such as Water Garden, Promenade, and Themed Reading Rooms
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] The Son Ki-jung Cultural Library in Jung-gu, Seoul, will unveil a completely new look on the 19th after eight months of renovation work.
Jung-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Seo Yang-ho) announced that with this renovation, the Son Ki-jung Cultural Library has been reborn as a space that offers both knowledge and cultural experiences.
The Son Ki-jung Library was built in 1999 inside the Son Ki-jung Memorial Park in Jungnim-dong. Although it was a small-scale library, it has been steadily loved as a knowledge repository for local residents over the past 22 years. However, recently, the population surged due to new apartment constructions around Jungnim-dong, and with the increase in visitors following the creation of Seoul 7017, it became difficult to meet the growing demand.
In response, the district expanded the small Son Ki-jung Library after 22 years to a public library about three times its original size, covering 771.1m² (233 pyeong).
The biggest change with the renovation is the spatial layout. Unique themed spaces have been created throughout to provide distinctive cultural experiences that can only be found at the Son Ki-jung Library. A representative example is the 'Water Garden' on the first floor and the promenade walkway created alongside it. In the reading room facing the promenade and the glass windows, visitors can enjoy reading and contemplation while gazing at the Water Garden.
The second-floor stacks are also unique. The space is divided with curved bookshelves. Each separated area is themed?such as camping, an old bookstore, and a cozy living room?with furniture arranged accordingly. Unlike the previously enclosed library structure where even the sound of turning pages was cautious, visitors can now read comfortably and chat quietly with neighbors in a relaxed atmosphere.
Cultural programs have become as diverse as the space. From 'Book Curation Docent,' where librarians introduce the history of the Son Ki-jung Cultural Library and the book of the month, to 'Holiday in the Library,' where visitors decorate the library themselves, 'Listening and Viewing Radio,' which responds to visitors’ stories through book readings, and 'Pet Dog Class,' reflecting the daily lives and tastes of local residents, 28 programs will be continuously operated until the end of the year.
An opening event will also be held. Visitors who post a certification photo of their visit to the Son Ki-jung Cultural Library on SNS will receive a specially made eco bag on a first-come, first-served basis. New members will be issued membership cards with limited edition designs.
On the 23rd at 4 p.m., a congratulatory ensemble performance by the local cultural volunteer group 'Cultural Sarangbang ACT' is scheduled.
Seo Yang-ho, Mayor of Jung-gu, said, "Over the past three years, to realize public services within a 10-minute walk, we have established five new libraries and renovated five others," adding, "In the future, libraries will not only be places to read books but will become the heart of the community where stories bloom and neighbors share culture together."
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