Gwangyang City Draws Attention with "Seven Libraries, Seven Colors" Themed Library Operations

Central, Jungma, Himang, Yonggang, Kumho, Gwangyeong, and Kkumbit Libraries
Each Library Offers a Distinctive Theme and Specialized Programs
Gwangyang City Expands Cultural and Educational Services Through "Seven Libraries, Seven Colors" Initiative

Gwangyang City in Jeollanam-do (Mayor Jung Inhwa) is drawing attention for its operation of themed libraries under the concept of "Seven Libraries, Seven Colors."

Gwangyang City boasts high library accessibility relative to its population, operating a total of nine public libraries, including seven municipal libraries and two libraries under the Jeonnam Office of Education. This equates to one library per 17,000 residents, which is more than twice the average for local governments in Jeollanam-do (three libraries).

Gwangyang City is a city with high library accessibility relative to its population, operating a total of nine public libraries, including seven municipal libraries and two libraries under the Jeonnam Office of Education. Provided by Gwangyang City

In addition to this high accessibility, the qualitative enhancement of Gwangyang's municipal libraries and their transformation into cultural spaces have further strengthened the city's reading culture. Over the past three years, the average daily number of library users and book loans has steadily increased: 867 users (946 books) in 2022, 1,058 users (1,078 books) in 2023, and 1,312 users (1,202 books) in 2024, supporting this trend.

To continue this momentum, Gwangyang Municipal Libraries have established unique themes for each library and offer specialized services. They are evolving beyond simple reading spaces to become cultural platforms embedded in citizens' daily lives, while also expanding their roles as community hubs.

The Central Library focuses on "Humanities and Philosophy," expanding its collection of humanities books and operating a "Philosophy Bookshelf" curation corner. It also hosts "Everyone's Library," a series of humanities lectures on topics closely related to citizens' lives. Upcoming lectures include "Reading Schopenhauer at Forty" by author Kang Yongsoo on September 24, and "About the Boys Met by the Youth" by Judge Chun Jongho on November 29.

Jungma Library offers a variety of programs themed around "History and Culture," based on its collection of about 5,000 books in these fields. Its flagship lecture series, "History and Humanities Special Lectures," provides opportunities to gain insights into different eras and civilizations. On September 19, Professor Lee Ikjoo from the Department of Korean History at the University of Seoul will give a lecture titled "Goryeo, Seeking the Path in Diplomacy."

Himang Library specializes in "Children's Future Education," providing differentiated education opportunities for the Fourth Industrial Revolution through career exploration, software (SW) and artificial intelligence (AI) experiences, and webtoon creation classes. The "Future Job Exploration" program, held over five sessions, allowed children to experience promising careers such as forensic scientists and AI technology researchers, receiving enthusiastic responses from children and parents alike.

Yonggang Library, themed around "Health," is Gwangyang's representative family-friendly library. It offers a variety of services that encompass both physical and emotional well-being while nurturing literary sensitivity. "A Peaceful Day Through Character Analysis," running until November 1, combines lectures, field trips, and hands-on experiences, and has been met with great enthusiasm from participants.

Kumho Library, specializing in "Arts," presents programs that connect various art genres, including visual arts and music. On September 4, world-renowned tenor Kim Kiseon (winner of the "Immortal Songs: Jo Sumi" episode) will be invited to give a special lecture titled "Even If Life Deceives You," sharing stories from over 100 years of Korean art songs.

Gwangyeong Library is themed around "English," offering a variety of programs and services to support English learning. Its main service, the "OverDrive" English original content platform, provides access to overseas e-books in their original language as a digital service, available anytime and anywhere via PC or smartphone. Until November, the "Native English Picture Book Room," where native speakers read English picture books, will also be available.

Kkumbit Library, which opened this past June, is a children's library themed around "Creativity." Its main programs center on experiential activities linked to reading, such as the Science Taste Lab and Cooking from Fairy Tales. In the self-directed creative space "Kkumtturak," children can use various materials to create their own works, which has been very well received.

Kim Hyunsook, Director of Gwangyang City Libraries, stated, "Based on the 'Seven Libraries, Seven Colors' themed libraries, we will continue to meet the cultural needs of our citizens and expand high-quality reading and cultural services."