Focused Support for Public Small Libraries in Information-Disadvantaged Areas
Dedicated to Voluntary Growth through Customized Capacity Training
Establishing a Collaborative Operation Model with Residents
The Goyang Special City Library Center (Mayor Lee Dong-hwan) plans to reorganize the role of public small libraries to expand book lending services in information-deprived areas and strengthen support by increasing cooperative programs for the autonomous growth of small libraries.
Small Library Collaboration Program 'DMC Dietre Hangang Small Library'. Provided by Goyang Special City
According to Goyang City on the 8th, the number of municipal libraries has expanded to 20, and with the introduction of interlibrary loan services and 10 smart libraries, citizens' access to information has improved. Additionally, with the spread of digital reading habits, the library function centered on book lending has reached a new turning point. Accordingly, the city has adjusted its small library policy to meet the demands of the times and citizens' needs.
Starting this year, the city will further enhance information accessibility in public small libraries. Public small libraries will be operated mainly in information-deprived areas where municipal library services do not reach. The city plans to reduce overlapping budget usage and expand benefits provided to residents.
By efficiently allocating library resources, the interlibrary loan service "Chaeknuri" will be expanded to seven public small libraries located in information-deprived areas (Gwansan, Naeyu, Daedeok, Masang Park, Modang Park, Sarihyun, Hwajeon). After reorganizing for vehicle expansion and service enhancement, the service is expected to start as early as the first half of this year.
Goyang City supports the operation of various programs so that small libraries can be reborn as centers of reading and culture.
Since last year, the "Shared Value, Small Libraries" cooperative library program has selected new and excellent small libraries to provide instructor support and operational supplies. This year, the budget for cooperative programs among small libraries will be doubled to 12 million KRW to further promote the spread of community reading culture.
Also, in connection with the Goyang Reading Festival last year, 19 small libraries operated the "Rest, Into Poetry" calligraphy program, exhibiting works created by residents who directly participated. Furthermore, the city held the "2024 Small Library Academy" for small library operators and volunteer activists, conducting eight sessions of capacity-building education to establish a self-sustaining small library foundation.
The city is making efforts to support the voluntary growth of small libraries through subsidy support, dispatching reading culture program instructors and itinerant librarians, and providing heating and cooling cost support.
2024 Goyang Reading Festival Goyang Small Library Council 'Rest, Into the Poem' Exhibition. Provided by Goyang Special City
Small libraries serve as community hubs, enhancing residents' quality of life and contributing to the creation of a better community culture.
The Gangchon Park Small Library is scheduled to reopen as a "Book Shelter" on the 20th. The previously cramped reading space will be significantly expanded, and it will break away from the simple library function to provide spaces for reading clubs and community activities. Additionally, through creative programs linked with the park, it will be reborn as a complex cultural space.
Meanwhile, the city is actively establishing a cooperative model based on resident participation for the successful operation of small libraries. Private small libraries will have their support systems reorganized so that residents can operate them autonomously. When registering new small libraries, operation guides will be provided along with customized consulting. Furthermore, external public project announcements, accounting education, and subsidy operation manuals will be reorganized to support financial independence.
2024 Goyang Reading Festival Goyang City Small Library Association 'We Prescribe Poetry' Experience Booth. Provided by Goyang Special City
Moreover, the city plans to strengthen the private small library network to activate reading programs and community activities, expanding support so that small libraries can establish themselves as cultural hubs in the local community.
A city official said, "Goyang City is a city that boasts a well-equipped library infrastructure and a culture of reading," adding, "We will continue to do our best to create an environment where all citizens can equally enjoy the reading culture." The end.
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