Ten district libraries to run programs throughout September, with about 15,500 participants expected
Highlights range from a meet-and-greet with Bologna Ragazzi Award-winning author Lee Eok-bae to an outdoor book fair — musical humanities lectures, picture-book author talks, exhibitions and hands-on activities for all ages
Six in 10 adults in South Korea do not read a single book in a year. A survey on national reading habits released by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in March found that the overall adult reading rate stood at just 38.5 percent.
In response, Songpa-gu in Seoul will run 73 reading and cultural programs across 10 district libraries throughout September, designated as "Reading Month," to help residents rediscover the joy of books in their daily lives.
The programs are designed to bring children and adults of all generations closer to their local libraries through books. Lectures, performances, hands-on activities, exhibitions and participatory events will be held at district libraries throughout the month.
The flagship event is a meet-and-greet with author Lee Eok-bae at Songpa Geulmaru Library on Sept. 15. Lee, who received the grand prize in the special category of the Bologna Ragazzi Award — one of the world's most prestigious honors in children's literature — will discuss the creative process behind his picture books inspired by Korean folk painting, share his artistic world with readers, and display original artwork from his signature works.
Outdoor events for children and families are also on the schedule. Songpa Wiryeo Library will host the 4th Gomin Haegyeol Festival, a problem-solving book fair titled "A Book Fair We Do Because We Love It," at Wiryeo Lake Park from 1 p.m. on Sept. 6. The event will bring together book displays, sales and hands-on activities in one place.
Humanities programs for adults and picture-book author meet-and-greets for children round out the lineup. Sonamuneondeok No. 2 Library will hold "Musical Humanities" sessions every Wednesday in September, led by musical content creator Hwang Jo-gyo.
At Geoma Library on Sept. 6, author Boram will introduce the making of the picture book "Even Umbrellas Need an Umbrella" and lead a post-reading activity. At Pungnap Library on Sept. 12, Kim Sol-mi, author of "Oh! This Way! A Drawing Dictionary," will meet with readers.
Each library will also offer original-artwork exhibitions, reading programs and craft workshops tailored to different age groups and interests. All 73 programs combined are expected to draw about 15,500 participants.
Schedules, eligibility and registration details for each program are available on the Songpa-gu integrated library website. Some programs require advance registration, and schedules are subject to change depending on library operations.
"I hope residents will use their neighborhood library this September not just to read, but to meet authors, enjoy performances and take in exhibitions," Songpa-gu District Mayor Seo Gang-seok said. "We will continue to expand our reading and cultural programs so that libraries become open spaces where residents can encounter books and culture in their everyday lives."
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