Three Gangbuk-gu Libraries Reopen as Expanded Reading and Cultural Hubs

Gangbuk-gu in Seoul has completed facility upgrades at three district libraries — Solsaem Cultural Information Library, Suyu Cultural Information Library and Gangbuk Cultural Information Library — expanding each into a combined reading, leisure and cultural space for residents.

Suyu Cultural Information Library held a soft opening Aug. 4 before formally reopening Aug. 10, while Solsaem Cultural Information Library reopened Tuesday. Gangbuk Cultural Information Library will open its newly built below-ground lounge, dining area and cooking class studio on Sept. 14.

The project aimed to renovate aging facilities and repurpose underused spaces, transforming the district's public libraries from conventional reading rooms into community cultural centers where residents can also relax and take part in cultural activities. The district replaced the traditional study-hall layout with open reading areas and reorganized each floor into distinct zones for reading, rest and cultural programming.

At Solsaem Cultural Information Library, the third-floor lobby gained an open reading area and a book-curation corner, while the children's section received additional table-style reading seats. The fourth floor merged the main collection room and lobby into a single integrated reading space, with open tables and bar-style individual seats added to the general reading room. The fifth-floor lecture hall was also expanded to accommodate more cultural programs.

At Suyu Cultural Information Library, a partition wall between the third-floor main collection room and lobby was removed to create a more open feel. The main and children's collection rooms were separated by transparent glass folding doors, reducing noise between areas while preserving visual openness. The fourth floor was reorganized into a laptop zone, a general reading room and a lounge, with window-side table seats offering views of Bukhansan.

At Gangbuk Cultural Information Library, a disused restaurant and kitchen on the first below-ground floor were converted into a cooking class studio and a lounge and dining area. The district plans to use the new space to run a range of cooking and cultural programs open to residents.

The district said the upgrades were designed to reflect each library's individual character and user demand, making better use of previously idle spaces such as lobbies and below-ground floors.

The renovations also extended the libraries' role beyond collections and reading rooms, repositioning them as everyday community spaces where reading, rest, learning and cultural activities can all take place under one roof.

"I hope the newly renovated district libraries become places where residents can comfortably linger, connect with one another and enjoy a variety of cultural experiences — not just spaces for reading," Gangbuk-gu District Mayor Jeong Chang-su said. "We will continue to reflect residents' needs as we work to create a pleasant and convenient library environment."