Gumi-si, Establishing a Solid and Detailed Customized Reading Environment Foundation

This Year, Two New Libraries Open: Sillip Sandong Library and Wonpyeong·Songjeong Libraries

Korea Polytechnic University Gumi Library Open Until 9 PM on Weekdays

Gumi City in Gyeongbuk has been equipped with a customized reading environment as a city of books and libraries where people can read anytime and anywhere, starting with the opening of the Municipal Central Library in 1994. It currently manages six public libraries by region (Central, Indong, Sangmojeongsu, Yangpo, Bonggok, Seonsan), two public small libraries, and 48 private small libraries.

This year, Gumi plans to open the Gumi Municipal Sandong Library and two small libraries, further strengthening and densifying the reading infrastructure by region.

▲Scheduled Opening of Gumi Municipal Sandong Library

A new library is set to open in the second half of the year in the Sandong area, where the younger generation predominantly resides in Gumi. The name has been confirmed as Gumi Municipal Sandong Library, which will include a comprehensive reference room, children and infant materials room, lecture rooms, a book cafe, and a preservation storage. It is expected to serve as a reading culture space for the residents of Sandong, and through this, Gumi plans to provide a space where people of all generations can read books and enjoy culture anytime and anywhere.

▲Opening of Gumi Life Culture Center and Songjeong Small Library in the First Half of the Year

Gumi Life Culture Center bird's-eye view.

As part of the urban regeneration project in front of Gumi Elementary School, two small libraries are scheduled to open in the first half of the year: the ‘Gumi Life Culture Center Small Library (322.74㎡)’ on the third floor of the Life Culture Center, and the ‘Songjeong Small Library (268.24㎡)’ located behind the Saeronet Broadcasting in Songjeong-dong.

The Gumi Life Culture Center Small Library is expected to have high usage rates as it is adjacent to Gumi Elementary School and about 2,000 apartment households. The Songjeong Small Library inside the Beomyang Reus Apartment was designed with access routes from external roads to accommodate both apartment residents and nearby community members.

Although these two small libraries are modest in size, they are expected to perform all the functions of larger libraries, including book returns, cultural programs by demographic groups, and humanities lectures.

▲Expanded Opening Hours for Korean Polytechnics Gumi Campus Library to Local Residents

The library on the second floor (455.4㎡) of the Korean Polytechnics Gumi Campus located in Gongdan-dong has been open to local residents since March last year, providing access to the reference and reading rooms. Starting this year, the opening hours have been extended until 9 PM on weekdays, and during vacation periods, it operates until 6 PM.

Along with purchasing new books, the system has been set up to allow loans using the Gumi City Integrated Library Card. In December last year, hobby programs for adults were held, and in January, programs for children such as ‘Food Expedition World Tour’ and ‘Power Chess’ were conducted, making it a model case of cooperation between the university and the local community.

▲Renewal of the Lifelong Learning Center’s Learning Shop into a Children’s Room and Opening to Local Residents

Considering areas without nearby libraries, the Lifelong Learning Center is planning to renovate the learning shop on the first floor, which previously functioned as a promotional space for lifelong learning programs, into a space where local children can use shelves, reading desks, and access new book purchases at any time. It is expected to become a beloved reading culture hub for local residents.

Mayor Kim Jang-ho stated, “We will continue to provide experiential knowledge information services and promote library services that practice social inclusion to enhance the intellectual dignity of Gumi City.”