Average Number of Books per Branch · Average Visitors per Branch · Average Loans per Branch
A Venue for Diverse Reading Experiences, Opening New Perspectives: 'Gumi Reading Culture Festival'
Expanding Functions through External Cooperation, Pursuing Change and Innovation: 'Dynamic Library'
According to the 2023 National Library Statistics System, Gumi City in Gyeongbuk recorded an average of 139,645 books per library, an average of 233,543 visitors, and 145,839 loans per library, ranking first in three categories of library operation performance within Gyeongbuk Province.
Currently, the total collection of Gumi City libraries reaches approximately 810,000 volumes (as of 2024, based on Alphas data), which is evaluated as the result of various reading culture activities and library facility improvements promoted by Gumi City.
In particular, Gumi City was recognized for its value by winning the ‘56th Korea Library Award’ hosted by the Korean Library Association last February through reading culture festivals and a local bookstore certification system to spread reading culture.
▲ Sandong Library, a complex cultural space blending advanced technology and sensibility
Based on these achievements, the city is striving to expand library infrastructure. A representative example is the Sandong Library, which opened last September. This library provides advanced services integrating AI and ICT technologies and is attracting attention as a future-oriented library model.
With a total floor area of 3,149㎡, Sandong Library offers visual information through a media wall and digital gallery, and AI robots ‘Sani’ and ‘Dongi’ assist visitors with book searches and guidance. The VR·AR experience space for children and youth and the learning programs in the English materials room have also received great responses, establishing the library as a new cultural space.
▲ 30 years of history with citizens, remodeling of ‘Gumi City Central Library’ underway
Gumi City Central Library is also preparing for change. Located in a park in the city center, this library has been loved by citizens for a long time. However, to address aging facilities and changing societal demands, a large-scale remodeling project worth 19.5 billion KRW will be carried out from 2025 to 2027. After remodeling, it will be reborn as a cultural space convenient for citizens, featuring multi-activity spaces, infant and children’s reading rooms, and a book caf?.
▲ Gumi Reading Culture Festival, enjoying reading culture with local authors and bookstores
In addition to facility expansion, Gumi City continuously holds various events to spread reading culture. Among them, the 3rd Gumi Reading Culture Festival, held over two days on October 5 and 6, was successfully concluded with enthusiastic responses from citizens through book talks by renowned authors, an independent publishing book fair, book culture experience booths, and busking performances. Through this festival, the city reaffirmed that books can contribute to the local community as cultural resources.
▲ Strengthening external cooperation, expanding functions as an ‘open library’ with the local community
Gumi City Libraries are leading the spread of reading culture by strengthening cooperation with the local community. They have signed an agreement with Korea Polytechnics Gumi Campus to provide new books and concluded an MOU with Gumi Fire Station to operate reading support programs for firefighters. Especially from next year, they plan to start the ‘Picture Book Reading Teacher’ project targeting kindergartens and daycare centers to expand employment opportunities for the youth demographic.
Mayor Kim Jang-ho said, “Libraries should help citizens grow and be spaces where culture and arts coexist,” adding, “Going forward, Gumi City Libraries will strengthen their role as specialized spaces that can nurture global leaders in step with changing times.”
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