Jeonggwan Library in Gijang County Wins 58th Korea Library Award

Recognized for Achievements in Promoting Reading Culture and Humanities Programs
Selected as an Outstanding Library Nationwide

Gijang County (Governor Jeong Jongbok) announced on March 3 that the Jeonggwan Library received the 58th Korea Library Award at a ceremony hosted by the Korean Library Association, held at Seoul City Hall on February 25.

The Korea Library Award is a prestigious honor presented since 1969 by the Korean Library Association to individuals and organizations that have contributed to the development of libraries and the promotion of reading culture in Korea. Among libraries nationwide, the award is given to institutions that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in library development and the spread of reading culture.

Since its opening in 2015, Jeonggwan Library has consistently established and implemented annual reading culture promotion plans based on the 'Gijang County Reading Culture Promotion Ordinance,' enacted in 2016, and has pursued systematic policies as a regional hub public library.

In particular, the library received high praise for its strong program execution capabilities, having been selected seven times for the 'Humanities on the Road' project and three times for the 'Library Wisdom School' project, both sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Through these achievements, the library has continued to operate resident-participation humanities programs, contributing to the expansion of the humanities base within the local community.

Additionally, the library has been recognized for operating outreach services for the knowledge and information underprivileged, working to bridge the information gap, expanding user-centered library services, and contributing to the spread of reading culture in the community. These efforts were cited as major factors in winning this award.

Jeong Hyuni, Director of Jeonggwan Library, stated, "This award is the result of the library's growth together with the interest and participation of local residents," adding, "We will continue to develop Jeonggwan Library into an inclusive and innovative space where all county residents can enjoy books and culture in their daily lives."

Jeonggwan Library plans to take the lead in spreading a reading culture as an open cultural space that grows together with the local community.