From Public Libraries to Small Libraries and 24-Hour Smart Libraries Equipped
Enhancing Communication with Library Directors and Strengthening Operations through Public Library Network Management Meetings
Mapo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Park Gang-su) is successfully continuing its goal of operating sustainable library services by revitalizing library operations and strengthening reading support services.
Currently, the district operates a total of 17 libraries, one more than in 2022, and continuously invests in discovering various projects and improving facilities.
These include 4 public libraries, 2 children's English libraries, 9 small libraries, totaling 15 district-run libraries, and 2 smart libraries.
As a result, Mapo-gu’s district libraries have established themselves as community centers where residents can acquire knowledge, experience culture, and communicate, beyond simply being spaces for borrowing books.
Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, who borrowed a book from the Mapo Sangam Smart Library unmanned loan and return machine
Looking at Mapo Central Library, one of the Mapo district libraries, usage performance in 2024 has significantly increased compared to 2023. The average daily visitors increased by 1,376 to 3,979, the average daily book loans rose by 188 to 1,779, and the number of members increased by 13,446, making library use more active.
The interlibrary loan service, which allows borrowing and returning books between libraries, has increased by an average of 37,424 cases annually and has received high praise from residents.
In particular, the district is also working hard to revitalize 9 small libraries throughout the area so that residents can easily access them nearby.
The small libraries in the region hold a total collection of over 140,000 volumes and operate 788 reading and cultural programs, providing opportunities for 24,699 residents to learn about reading and cultural arts.
Smart libraries are also receiving positive responses from residents. Currently, two locations are operated at Hapjeong Station and Sangam-dong, and anyone with a Mapo district library membership card can use them 24 hours a day.
From January to October 2024, the district lent 25,593 books to about 17,498 people through smart libraries, establishing them as a new reading platform. By the end of December 2024, two more locations will be added, expanding the total to four.
Additionally, the district holds quarterly network meetings with library directors to share library-related policies and explore ways to revitalize operations.
Furthermore, to spread reading culture, two ‘The Book Day’ book festivals and a ‘Bargain Book Market’ selling donated books were held. During the events, 11,474 books were sold at affordable prices, and approximately 20.33 million KRW of the sales proceeds were donated to the Mapo Welfare Foundation, realizing the value of sharing through reading culture.
Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, “We will make libraries important spaces where residents can accumulate knowledge, share cultural values, and communicate with each other,” adding, “We will do our best to create a reading environment that all residents can easily and conveniently access, so that Mapo-gu can become a true center of learning and culture.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
