Gwangju Seo-gu Recognized as 'Outstanding Institution' for Library Operation Revitalization

Awarded the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation

The Dongcheondong Small Library in Seo-gu, Gwangju (District Mayor Kim Ikang) has been selected as an outstanding institution in the field of library operation revitalization and received the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award.

Exterior view of Seogu District Office. Provided by Seogu District Office

Seo-gu announced on the 14th that it was recognized for its contribution to improving library services and spreading reading culture, and received the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation at the '2025 Library Day' ceremony held at the National Library of Korea in Seoul on the 12th.

The Dongcheondong Small Library has been taking the lead in building reading infrastructure by utilizing the neighborhood's BI (Brand Identity) 'Dadokdadok Chaekmaeul.' In addition, the library has broken the 'quiet' image of traditional libraries by introducing community-based reading culture programs such as the 'My First Book Delivery Project,' which gifts newborns in the area their first book, and 'Chaekyeoreum Bookcance,' a book festival unique to Dongcheondong, receiving great response from residents.

In particular, Dongcheondong attracted attention in 2023 when it was selected as the only neighborhood-level implementing institution nationwide for the Reading Academy public contest hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. At that time, Dongcheondong submitted a history program, receiving high marks for the excellence of its lecture composition, linkage activities with the Reading Academy, and operational capability as an implementing institution.

Heo Husim, head of Dongcheondong, said, "This award is a valuable achievement created together by residents, the community, and the library through the use of the Dadokdadok Chaekmaeul BI," adding, "We will continue to work harder to restore the community and spread reading culture through books."