Geumcheon-gu Gasan Library Renovated as an Open Space with Books and Relaxation

Renovated with a 3.5 Billion KRW Investment Due to Aging Facilities and Social Changes Since Opening in 2007
Expanded Reading Area and Open Space Created for Simultaneous Reading and Relaxation

Geumcheon-gu (Mayor Yu Seong-hoon) announced that the Geumcheon-gu Gasan Library has been renovated into an open space for books and relaxation and will reopen on the 25th.

Opened in 2007, the Geumcheon-gu Gasan Library required facility improvements and space reorganization due to aging infrastructure and social changes such as the increase in single-person households. Accordingly, the district and the Geumcheon Cultural Foundation have been promoting the renovation of the Gasan Library since 2021.

In 2021, the district secured 800 million KRW in national funds and invested an additional 2.7 billion KRW from the district budget. The design was completed in October last year, and renovation construction began, with preparations for reopening completed in June this year.

The renovation project was carried out with the library’s new core value as “loose boundaries,” aiming to lower the threshold of the library so that anyone can use it freely and comfortably.

The spaces on all floors of the library were rearranged and configured as open, accessible areas to accommodate more users, and flexible reading spaces were created to support various programs.

Additionally, the environment was improved with a user-centered approach by renovating restrooms on every floor and creating relaxation spaces so that all residents can use the library comfortably.

The functions of each floor from the 1st to the 6th were considered in reorganizing the spaces and arranging the facilities.

The 1st floor “Lounge” is a space where culture and art coexist, offering various performances and lectures, and the information desk provides all services of the Gasan Library.

The 2nd floor “Children’s Materials Room” is a space that nurtures children’s imagination, equipped with ondol (underfloor heating) on the floor so children can read books comfortably. A rest area for parents and a family nursing room were also newly established.

The 3rd and 4th floors “General Materials Rooms (2 locations)” are open and free reading spaces. The previously single materials room was expanded to two, with an increased collection. Various types of seating were provided considering user convenience, and the space was designed to be open.

The 5th floor “Book Stay” is a space for everyone to stay with books. The previously closed reading room was converted into an open space where reading and relaxation can be enjoyed simultaneously.

The 6th floor “Outdoor Terrace” is a newly created outdoor relaxation space, allowing visitors to enjoy reading or resting in an outdoor environment.

Yu Seong-hoon, Mayor of Geumcheon-gu, stated, “Reflecting the characteristics of Gasan-dong, where many single-person households and young people reside, we have newly created the Gasan Library as a reading culture complex that can be easily accessed nearby. Through this renovation, we not only provide comfortable and pleasant facilities but also plan to offer various programs for local residents in terms of operation, so we hope many people look forward to and use the library.”