A Complex Cultural Space for Enjoying Knowledge and Culture
A Vibrant Reading Culture Experience for All
Where Thoughts and Dreams Grow!
Nurturing Knowledge and Wisdom at the Library
Gimcheon City Library in North Gyeongsang Province serves as a knowledge and information center that provides high-quality books and media resources, while also functioning as a complex cultural space dedicated to promoting a reading culture and supporting healthy leisure activities for citizens. The library continues to make diverse efforts in these areas.
This year, the library will launch new initiatives such as a children's book set lending service and a family reading healing camping zone, alongside a variety of lectures and cultural programs tailored to current trends. As we welcome the spring of Byeongo Year (2026), we take a look at how Gimcheon City Library plans to engage with citizens this year.
◆ A Library That Evolves to Meet Citizens' Expectations
While efficiently managing its existing programs, Gimcheon City Library is also discovering new programs and improving the reading environment to establish itself as a library centered on citizens' daily lives.
To provide diverse foreign language learning opportunities, the library has introduced an "E-learning Language Course" service on its website. Courses include English, Chinese, and Japanese language classes, as well as Korean Language Proficiency Test preparation, basic conversation, qualification exam prep, and grammar courses. Any library member can participate in these offerings.
A new "Family Reading Healing Camping Zone" will be created inside the family reading room. By remodeling an unused space next to the children's room, the library will provide an independent healing area for families. This comfortable environment allows parents to read to their children and enjoy restful reading time together.
Additionally, the "Infant and Children's Book Set Lending Service" will allow families to borrow a full set of books for a month. The library has prepared over 50 sets of book collections tailored to different stages of child development. Households with elementary school-aged children or younger can borrow one set (30 to 50 books) for 30 days, helping to ease the financial burden of purchasing books and offering children abundant reading opportunities.
◆ Books That Nurture People! Reading Promotion Initiatives That Share Knowledge and Wisdom
To foster a culture of reading and to expand the number of readers among citizens, the library offers special programs that are open to everyone and enhance the joy of reading.
Beginning in February, the library has been hosting the citywide "Reading Marathon," which combines marathon running with reading. Outstanding participants will be recognized, and those who complete missions by visiting the main library, Yulgok Library, and seven small libraries will receive commemorative prizes as part of the "Library Stamp Tour." This year's Reading Marathon features three courses: 10km, 20km, and 30km (with one page equaling one meter), replacing the previous 10km, half, and full marathon courses.
To further encourage active library use, individuals who utilize the library frequently throughout the year will be recognized as "Model Readers" and "Reading Families." The library also plans to exhibit curated collections on specific themes through "Book Curation," introducing books from various fields and sparking greater interest in reading.
In September, the library will hold the "BOOK Dream" event, distributing unused books and past-year magazines for free. Citizens will be able to receive donated books, library surplus books, study materials, and over 90 types of past-year magazines. There will also be hands-on activities for children, offering a variety of enjoyable experiences.
The "Book Report Contest" is also held to inspire reading motivation among children and teenagers. The event features separate divisions for elementary and middle/high school students, with outstanding participants receiving awards.
◆ A Library That Creates Culture, Making Everyday Life Enjoyable
In addition to reading programs, the library offers a wealth of cultural and artistic events. Starting in March, various "Cultural Classes" will be offered at the main library, Yulgok Library, and seven small libraries, covering reading, liberal arts, academics, and leisure activities. These programs are open to all age groups, from infants and children to teenagers and adults, attracting significant interest from the community.
To enrich citizens' humanities education and add depth to their lives, the "Monthly Humanities" lecture series is held every month. These lectures reflect social changes and current issues, aiming to spread the value of the humanities throughout the local community. The first lecture, "Swimming in the World of Stories" by novelist Jeong Daekeon, author of
The "Creative Workshop" program, which received enthusiastic feedback when it was first introduced in 2024, will continue under the new name "Literary Creative Workshop." The library will host unique creative activities and exhibitions linked to books, aiming to enhance citizens' cultural capabilities.
In particular, programs such as "Picture Book Workshop," where participants publish a picture book based on their life story; "Advanced Reading and Writing," where participants learn to write autobiographies, essays, and novels and publish a collective anthology; and "Traditional Painting Workshop," where participants express traditional artwork in their own colors, will provide opportunities for personal development and creative fulfillment. An exhibition of creative works will be held at year-end to share these achievements with the community.
◆ A Library Where Children Grow, Along with Their Thoughts and Dreams!
To make Gimcheon a city where it is good to raise children, the library offers reading programs and care services tailored to different stages of growth for expectant mothers, parents, children, and teenagers. Through a variety of book-related classes and performances, the library hopes to contribute to a family-centered cultural environment.
The "Prenatal and Parenting Reading Healing Program" consists of practical classes such as picture book parenting, prenatal cooking, and making baby items, and is designed to support the emotional well-being and healing of expectant and new parents.
Additionally, as part of a low birthrate response initiative supported by the Gyeongbuk Provincial Library, Gimcheon City Library participates in the "Book Gift for New Moms and Dads" program, providing book packages containing parenting information and baby picture books via courier to expectant mothers and parents of infants (born in 2025 or 2026) who reside in Gimcheon.
The library also promotes the "Book Start" initiative, which gifts picture books and guidebooks to infants to help them "start life with books." Through this program, 100 infants born in 2022 and 2024 and residing in Gimcheon will receive the packages on a first-come, first-served basis.
During summer vacation, the "Playing with Books Is the Best!" program allows children to meet and interact directly with picture book authors. Through watching performances, learning about picture book creation, and participating in reading activities, children can enhance their literary imagination and creativity.
In addition, the library hosts "Children's Story Performances" such as fairy tale musicals, magic shows, and puppet shows, providing enjoyable library experiences for children and families. These performances, which help foster children's character and broaden their cultural knowledge, are held four times a year, starting with "Saehwa and the Colorful Friends" on Saturday, February 21.
The library also offers programs for teenagers. Through the "Meet the Author" lecture series, experts from various professional fields are invited to help teenagers explore career paths and establish values, empowering them to plan for the future.
The Samsanisu and Keunsup Small Libraries operate the "Shared Small Library Care Program" for children after school. Dedicated care instructors run reading and hobby programs, and the "Exciting Library Tour" program offers group visits for kindergartens and daycare centers. On Saturday mornings (11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.), the "Read to Me" program in the family reading room provides storytelling and hands-on activities for children, aimed at increasing family library use and fostering children's reading habits.
In these ways, Gimcheon City Library is continuously evolving as a complex cultural space that grows alongside citizens in their daily lives, taking steady steps toward becoming a place where people of all generations can share knowledge and information, and enjoy culture and leisure.
Library Director Lee Singi stated, "Our library is an important social infrastructure where everyone can freely acquire knowledge and insight, strengthen their inner resources, and enrich their lives. We will continue to strive to offer even more cultural and reading benefits to our citizens."
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