[Interview] Lee Seong, Guro-gu Mayor: "A Towering 'Education and Culture City' Filled with Diverse Libraries"

Developed as a Multifunctional Cultural Complex... Nearly Tripled Compared to Early Term... Cheonwangsan Chaekshimteo Opened on 23rd Last Month, 3-Story Library Construction Started Near Sindorim Station on 28th... This Year, Hangdong Pureunsumokwon, Seoul Art Chaekbogo, Smart Library Opened... Libraries Tailored for Disabled and Children Also Noteworthy

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] “Libraries should no longer be just places to read books, but also spaces for relaxation. We are doing our best to ensure that residents can encounter and enjoy various types of libraries close to home.”

In an interview with this publication, Lee Seong, Mayor of Guro-gu, stated that by developing libraries as complex cultural spaces with diverse functions such as reading culture, healing, and welfare, Guro-gu is establishing itself as an ‘educational and cultural city.’

Mayor Lee, who has consistently devoted efforts to expanding libraries, increased the number of libraries from fewer than 40 at the beginning of his term to 113, nearly tripling them. Not only has the number of libraries increased, but their forms and types have also diversified.

On the 23rd of last month, Guro-gu opened the ‘Cheonwangsan Chaekswimteo’ (Cheonwangsan Book Resting Place), a 290.43㎡ facility in the Hang-dong 149 area. Cheonwangsan Chaekswimteo includes a library, a book caf?, and a nursing room, and a park for walking was also created around the book resting place.

Mayor Lee explained, “Through experiential facilities such as the Cheonwangsan Camping Site, Ecological Forest, Guro Smart Farm Center, Urban Agriculture Experience Center, and Artificial Rock Climbing Wall located near Cheonwangsan Chaekswimteo, it will become a healing library where culture and nature can be enjoyed at once.”

Furthermore, on the 28th, construction began on a three-story public library at Exit 2 of Sindorim Station, a location with heavy foot traffic. It is expected to serve as a community hub for local residents and office workers passing through Sindorim Station.

In addition, various libraries are set to open throughout Guro. In Hang-dong, where the population has rapidly increased due to housing development, the Hang-dong Pureun Sumokwon Library will be established, and Seoul Art Chaekbogo will be created underground at Gocheok Sky Dome. Next year, the Gaebong 1-dong Care Specialized Library, which provides both reading culture facilities and childcare services, will be built, and on the site of the former correctional facility in Gocheok-dong, an administrative complex including a library, health living support center, living culture center, and a community care center will be constructed with two basement floors and eight above-ground floors.

The Complex Cultural Town, which will house a library, care center, and a hub-type village vitality center on the site of the KBS transmission station in Gaebong-dong, will begin construction in August this year.

Mayor Lee emphasized, “We will create distinctive libraries by organically linking the surrounding natural environment and facilities, going beyond simply utilizing idle spaces for library development.”

Libraries tailored for people with disabilities and children who need care are also attracting attention. In December last year, the ‘Noisy Library,’ a specialized library for people with developmental disabilities, opened. The 96㎡ Noisy Library, located in the Guro Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, is a space designed for people with developmental disabilities who find it difficult to use the quiet atmosphere of general libraries.

There are also various types of children-only libraries to be proud of. These include the ‘Geulmaru Hanok Children’s Library,’ Seoul’s first traditional Hanok library opened in Gaebong-dong in 2011; the ‘Gung-dong Children’s Library,’ harmonized with nature in Gung-dong Ecological Park opened in 2017; and the ‘Miracle Library,’ Guro-gu’s 100th library built in 2019, which combines a daycare center and a library.

Smart libraries for subway users are also being expanded. In addition to the existing ones at Cheonwang Station, Sindorim Station, Gaebong Station, and Oryu-dong Station, new smart libraries will be added this year at Guil Station, Onsu Station, and Namguro Station.

Mayor Lee said, “We expect the total number of libraries in Guro to increase to 119 this year. We will do our best to create vibrant libraries equipped with the functions residents desire, realizing a first-class educational and cultural city.”