"Oh! Not Going to the Office, but to the Library?" Anseong City's Special Childcare Initiative

Remote Work and Childcare at the Library for Employees with Children
Kim Bora: "Considering Expansion to Support Work-Life Balance for Employees"

On July 31, an official identified as A from Anseong City, Gyeonggi Province, left for work in the morning holding hands with their 7-year-old child. However, instead of dropping the child off at a daycare center, A headed to the library. After that, A did not go to the office but stayed at the library until the end of the workday.

Bora Kim, mayor of Anseong, brought her children to Ayang Library and participated in play activities with employees working remotely. Provided by Anseong City

On this day, A was neither on vacation nor absent without leave. While the child participated in various programs and played at the library, A worked remotely from the same location and returned home with the child at the end of the workday. During lunchtime, A and the child ate together and talked at the library cafeteria.

This special day for A was made possible by the "Going to Work with Children During School Holidays" program, which Anseong City implemented for two days, on July 31 and August 1, to reduce the childcare burden on employees and create a more stable work environment. The city planned this event for employees who found it difficult to arrange childcare after kindergartens and daycare centers simultaneously began their summer break.

Twelve city officials with children aged 6 to 7 participated in the program held at the Ayang Library. Instead of going to their offices, the employees worked remotely from the library during work hours. The library organized a variety of activities, including traditional games, board games, cooking sessions, and reading. During lunchtime, the employees spent time eating with their children.

A said, "I felt reassured being able to bring my child to my workplace, and my child also had a meaningful time interacting with friends at the library. I hope there will be more opportunities like this where parents can manage both childcare and work, especially during school holidays when many parents struggle with childcare issues."

Anseong City Mayor Kim Bora stated, "We are considering expanding this program so that it can become a practical model for supporting work-life balance for our employees."