Gyeonggi Provincial Library Becomes a "Hot Spot" with 270,000 Visitors in Just Two Months Since Opening

The "Gyeonggi Provincial Library," which opened in October last year under the slogan of being a library unlike any other, has established itself as a leading library in Gyeonggi Province, recording a cumulative total of approximately 270,000 visitors within just over two months of opening.

On its opening day, October 25 last year, more than 20,000 people visited the Gyeonggi Provincial Library. Since then, it has become a "hot spot," attracting an average of over 8,000 visitors on weekends and more than 3,000 on weekdays.

The number of new members reached around 60,000, with Gyeonggi Province accounting for the largest share at 55,744. Other regions included Seoul (1,743), Busan (239), Gyeongnam (236), and Chungnam (197). This demonstrates that the Gyeonggi Provincial Library is accessible and of interest not only to users within the province but also to those from the Seoul metropolitan area and across the country.

According to a satisfaction survey conducted by Gyeonggi Province from December 19 to 21 last year among 815 adults aged 18 or older who had used the library, the "overall satisfaction rate" was recorded at 88.6%.

The main reason for visiting was "book borrowing and reading," accounting for 71.3% of responses.

By age group, users were in their 40s (35.0%), 30s (22.7%), 50s (18.0%), 18-29 years old (14.5%), and 60s (9.8%).

Users also gave high marks to the spaces and environment of the Gyeonggi Provincial Library. A total of 94.1% responded that "the space is comfortable and has a warm atmosphere," and 90.8% rated "the overall environment, including air, lighting, temperature, and noise, as pleasant." Additionally, 80.5% recognized the library as "a meaningful space beyond a simple library."

Evaluations of digital-based services were also positive. Of all respondents, 28.5% said they had used digital technology services such as the AI Studio, LED Studio, and AI Book Therapy. Among users, 79.7% said, "The library is designed so that anyone can easily experience and learn new technologies."

Gyeonggi Provincial Library became a popular destination attracting 270,000 visitors just two months after its opening in October last year. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

The Gyeonggi Provincial Library operates a variety of programs and services under the guiding themes of climate and environment, AI, and people-centeredness. Through the AI Studio, AI reading discussions, AI Book Therapy for children, and lectures, exhibitions, and experiential programs, the library is expanding beyond a "space for reading" to become a "space for learning and connection."

During the opening ceremony, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dongyeon stated, "I did not want to simply build a large building and fill it with books. I hope the library will become a place that connects people beyond just being a library."

The Gyeonggi Provincial Library reflected this vision in its spatial design. By applying a spiral circulation structure, the library encourages visitors to stay, explore, and reflect rather than move quickly through the space. The coexistence of children's reading, individual study, research activities, and digital work within a single space is a distinctive feature of the Gyeonggi Provincial Library.

Yoon Myunghee, Director of the Gyeonggi Provincial Library, said, "The Gyeonggi Provincial Library is not a completed space, but a library that is created together with the residents. We will continue to faithfully fulfill our role and responsibility as the metropolitan representative library of Gyeonggi Province."