Gumi City Operates Summer Vacation BOOK-cance... Enjoy Reading and Vacation Together

Saemaeul Library Central Association Gumi Branch Operates 'Cultural Facility'

Expansion of Operation Period and Locations Contributes to the Spread of Reading Culture

From July 19 to August 17, Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province will operate the '2024 Saemaeul Library Summer Reading Cultural Facility' at four locations: Nakdonggang Sports Park, Sandong Mulbit Park, Jisan Saetgang Ecological Park, and Yeori Forest in Mount Geumo. The program is organized by the Gumi Branch of the Saemaeul Library Central Association.

Gumi City operating a bookcation at summer resorts.

The summer reading cultural facilities will be run daily from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM during the period, with the help of about 120 volunteers who are executives and members of the Gumi Branch of the Saemaeul Library Central Association.

A Saemaeul mobile library vehicle, stocked with 1,500 books from various genres, will be stationed at each site, allowing any citizen to borrow up to two books for free. In addition to book lending, there will be experience booths where families can enjoy making eco-bags, paper airplanes, calligraphy bookmarks, flower fans, and pinwheels, providing a fun vacation for all ages.

Until last year, the program was operated at a single location, but this year it will be held at four sites over a month, which is expected to further promote a culture of reading.

Kim Taekdong, President of the Gumi Branch of the Saemaeul Library Central Association, stated, "This year, we have expanded the summer library program to four locations to provide mobile reading services to citizens. We hope that visitors to the summer reading cultural facilities can escape the heat, cultivate knowledge through books, and find relaxation through various hands-on experiences."

Kim Hyunju, Head of the Saemaeul Division, expressed appreciation for the efforts of the executives and members of the Gumi Branch of the Saemaeul Library Central Association who are working to promote reading habits despite the hot weather. "I hope that children on summer break will develop the habit of reading anytime and anywhere, learn about the wider world through books, and create precious memories with their families," Kim said.

The Gumi Branch of the Saemaeul Library Central Association has been operating the summer library program since 1993, and is carrying out various projects to promote a reading culture, such as operating the Saemaeul mobile library, hosting the Children's Reading King Contest, and running reading and hobby classes at Saemaeul small libraries. In addition, 28 Saemaeul small libraries serve as cultural community spaces where residents can come together and communicate.