Gyeonggi-do Establishes 7 Community-Based Small Libraries with 600 Million KRW Investment

Gyeonggi Province will create two new community-based small libraries and support the remodeling of five others this year to serve residents in areas lacking public libraries.

Small libraries are smaller in scale compared to public libraries but function as community-friendly spaces operated based on residents' participation and autonomy. They serve as neighborhood gathering spots where diverse community activities centered around books take place.

Bucheon Supsok Small Library

Gyeonggi Province is investing a total of 600 million KRW, including 420 million KRW of provincial funds, to support seven small libraries. The new small libraries will be established in Sosa Station area of Bucheon City, where there is heavy resident movement, and at the Samjuk-myeon Office in Anseong City.

The small libraries targeted for remodeling are located in Jangheung, Yangju City; Tanhyeon, Paju City; Gwanin, Pocheon City; Pyeongchon The Sharp Central City in Anyang City; and Poil Supsok Maeul 3 Complex in Uiwang City.

Kim Dong-ju, Director of the Library Policy Division of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "We will continue to expand not only public libraries but also small libraries to increase residents' reading rates and improve quality of life."

Currently, 1,676 small libraries are operating in Gyeonggi Province. To revitalize small libraries, the province is implementing various projects including operational cost support, child care reading culture programs, heating and cooling cost support, cooperation support, and training for activists.