New Concept Lifestyle Culture Hub 'Life+Library'... Nowon-gu Completes Remodeling of Wolgye Library

Transformed into an everyday stay-type library
where culture, leisure, reading, relaxation, and performances come together
Temporary operation begins January 14... Official opening on February 11
During the temporary operation period, open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

1st Floor Picture Book Maru

Nowon-gu, Seoul (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that 'Wolgye Library' has been transformed into a lifestyle-centered complex cultural space reflecting the latest library trends.

Wolgye Library, first opened in 2007, has contributed to promoting the reading culture in the community as the only public library in Wolgye-dong at that time. However, the role of libraries as 'complex cultural spaces' has become increasingly important, and due to aging facilities, space improvements became necessary.

The core of the Wolgye Library remodeling is to provide 'expanded complex services.' The goal was to transform it into an 'everyday stay-type library' where culture and leisure, reading and relaxation, performances and lectures can all take place together.

First, the district created Wolgye Library as an open space for communication and relaxation, especially enabling natural lighting and enjoyment of the beautiful view of Yeongchuksan Mountain through 'front and rear full-height windows.'

Additionally, by utilizing systems that incorporate the latest technologies in fields such as information, reading, exhibitions, and education, a future-oriented library was realized, and by providing converged digital content, a 'user-centered knowledge information service' was established.

These changes are more clearly reflected through the floor composition and detailed content.

At the integrated desk on the first floor, previously dispersed book lending and return services are now unified. Notably, there is a conveyor-belt type unmanned book return machine that allows book returns even on closed days, and a quadruped walking robot that assists library users.

In the children's exclusive reading space, Picture Book Maru, tables and stools suited to children's eye level based on floor seating were arranged, and AI-based reading content was introduced.

The second floor, Everyone's Living Room, features various types of seating including individual seats and family seats. On the third floor, the Thinking Study houses seats equipped with individual power outlets and designed for easy use of electronic devices, allowing users to focus on reading and research through an unmanned laptop and tablet rental system.

Especially, the stair-shaped reading seats called 'Book Step' connecting the second and third floors boast comfortable sofas and high ceilings, with gallery zones placed throughout.

The fourth floor includes Dalbit Sori Hall, where high-quality video content, regular cultural performances, book talks, and meetings with authors take place; the Eoullim Room supporting various small group activities; and an unmanned caf?. Users can enjoy warm tea and beverages while appreciating high-quality video and music content or simultaneously experiencing performances, lectures, reading, and relaxation.

Finally, as a city leading carbon neutrality, the district considered sustainable environments in the interior design. Domestic wood was used, and indoor plants added freshness to the space. Furthermore, an air purification and sterilization system was introduced to create a comfortable reading environment.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “Public libraries are transforming from mere places to borrow books into spaces offering various activities and services related to residents' lifestyle culture,” adding, “We will continue to expand public libraries, including the Gwangwoon University Station area development site, to meet the diverse needs within residents' lifestyle culture.”