Amid Heatwave, Use of Busan Public Libraries Increases... Serving as Effective Cooling Shelters

In July and August, 51 Public Libraries Saw Monthly Average Book Loans and Users Rise

Summer Usage Up... Busan Public Libraries Serve Well as a Good Vacation Spot

This summer, as the prolonged heatwave brought intense heat, public libraries in Busan have effectively served as popular cooling shelters for citizens.

Busan Library reported that the average monthly number of borrowed books and visitors at 51 public libraries, including Busan Library, increased by 12% and 15%, respectively, in July and August compared to June.

During July and August, the average monthly number of borrowed books at these 51 public libraries, including Busan Library, was 756,931, and the number of visitors was 225,099. Compared to June, when the number of borrowed books was 675,979 and the number of visitors was 195,392, these figures represent increases of 12% and 15%, respectively.

The increase was particularly notable during the evening hours (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.). In July and August, the average monthly number of books borrowed in the evening was 71,181, and the number of evening visitors was 26,273. Compared to June, when the figures were 54,182 books and 19,878 visitors, this marks a significant rise of 31% and 32%, respectively.

In July, the number of books borrowed in the evening was 68,556, a 27% increase from June, while the number of evening visitors was 25,408, a 28% increase from June.

As the tropical nights continued into August, evening usage remained on an upward trend. In August, the number of books borrowed in the evening was 73,806, and the number of visitors was 27,138, representing increases of 8% and 7% compared to July.

Busan Library explained that this increase in usage was due to the record number of tropical nights this summer, combined with the summer vacation period for students and office workers, making public libraries in Busan an ideal place to escape the heat.

The significant increase in evening usage especially demonstrates that public libraries in Busan provided citizens with a cool and comfortable reading environment during the hot summer nights.

According to the big data analysis platform "Library Information Naru," the most popular books among Busan citizens in July and August this year were: for teenagers and people in their 40s and 50s, the young adult novel "Yeoldaseote Gomirani"; for those in their 20s and 30s, the novel "Bulpeonhan Pyeonuijeom"; and for those aged 60 and above, the novel "Hwanggeumjongi."

The fact that "Bulpeonhan Pyeonuijeom," which was selected as the One Book One Busan book two years ago, as well as this year's selections "Sanbok Ppallaebang" and "Yeoldaseote Gomirani," ranked high in popularity shows that Busan citizens continue to form a sense of community by reading the same books and are actively participating in making Busan a city of readers.

2024 Summer Busan Public Library Top Borrowed Books (Based on July to August 2024)

Public libraries, including Busan Library, are holding various events in celebration of September, the Month of Reading, such as author lectures, humanities special lectures, experiential programs and performances, book recommendation (book curation) exhibitions, and a variety of book-related events.

Detailed information about these events can be found on the websites of each library.

Busan Library Director Kang Eunhee said, "During July and August, public libraries in Busan did their utmost to serve as both a cooling retreat from the heat and a multi-cultural space where citizens could enjoy reading," adding, "We will not stop at this achievement but will continue to actively support the enrichment of the local reading culture and encourage Busan citizens to take a greater interest in reading."