Kim Sooyoung of Gwangju Seo-gu Council, Amendment to Public Library Ordinance Passes Standing Committee

Free Donation and Distribution of Discarded Library Books Now Permitted

Councilor Kim Sooyoung of Gwangju Seo-gu Council.

An institutional framework is being established to breathe new life into discarded books.

Kim Sooyoung, Councilor of Gwangju Seo-gu Council, announced on January 22 that the partial amendment to the "Ordinance on the Establishment and Operation of Public Libraries in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City" has passed the relevant standing committee.

The key point of this amendment is to actively incorporate the recommendations of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission regarding the "Recycling of Deregistered and Discarded Books from Public Libraries." It establishes a legal basis for public libraries to donate or distribute materials that are deregistered or discarded to institutions, organizations, or individuals free of charge.

To this end, Councilor Kim added a new paragraph 2 to Article 19 of the ordinance, stipulating that "materials that are deregistered or discarded may be donated or distributed free of charge to institutions, organizations, or individuals to strengthen reading and humanities education and to share knowledge resources." Specific details such as eligible recipients, methods, and procedures will be determined separately by the district mayor.

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission has recommended that all local governments and offices of education nationwide enact or revise ordinances to include provisions on the recycling and free distribution of deregistered and discarded books by March 31, 2026.

Councilor Kim emphasized, "This amendment provides an opportunity for books that were previously discarded by libraries to offer new value to citizens," adding, "It will make a significant contribution to revitalizing the reading culture in Seo-gu by strengthening reading and humanities education and expanding the sharing of knowledge resources."