Gwangju Dong-gu to Promote Private Small Library Revitalization Project

Exterior view of Gwangju Dong-gu Office.

Gwangju Dong-gu (District Mayor Lim Taek) announced on the 8th that it will promote the "2025 Private Small Library Revitalization Contest Project" to support the stable operation of private small libraries, which serve as the foundation for forming a local community culture and as neighborhood cultural hubs.

This contest project is designed to provide subsidies necessary for the minimum operation of private small libraries in the region that are experiencing operational difficulties or are planning revitalization. The support includes funding for reading culture programs, volunteer reimbursements, and book purchases.

Eligibility is limited to private small libraries registered in Dong-gu, and applications can be submitted through the local subsidy management system until the 14th. After document and on-site evaluations and review by the local subsidy deliberation committee, the final selected libraries will implement their projects according to their unique characteristics starting in May. A performance sharing session is scheduled to be held in December after the project concludes.

Previously, in February, District Mayor Lim Taek held a meeting with private small library operators to share the 2025 operational plan and discuss ways to revitalize small libraries.

This year's revitalization projects include: ▲expanding opportunities for information sharing and communication such as building networks between public and private libraries and holding regional meetings ▲utilizing humanities sharing spaces such as venues for humanities and reading clubs ▲implementing book delivery services for private small libraries ▲improving and upgrading the Dong-gu library website ▲expanding customized outreach small library lectures.

Dong-gu has also been selected for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "Small Library Fostering Pilot District Project," securing national funding to expand book delivery services to private small libraries. This is expected to help meet residents' reading needs, and related ordinances to provide practical support for small library operations are currently being revised, laying the groundwork for even more active operation of small libraries.

Lim Taek, Mayor of Dong-gu, stated, "I hope this contest project will provide at least some support for the operation of small libraries," and added, "We will do our best to ensure that small libraries can establish themselves as valuable cultural spaces for local residents through continuous interest and support."