Gwangmyeong, a city in Gyeonggi Province, said it will move ahead with a “future-ready library policy” aimed at linking reading, learning, creation and community engagement in residents’ daily lives.
Kim Myeong-ok, head of the city’s Lifelong Learning Projects Headquarters, outlined the plan at a policy briefing at City Hall on the 21st.
The policy centers on expanding public libraries beyond places to view materials, repositioning them as neighborhood-based cultural hubs where people can stay, rest, learn and create.
“The key is building Gwangmyeong’s own system that shows, in a comprehensive way, how libraries support growth and connection in citizens’ lives,” Kim said.
As part of the effort, the city plans a broad redesign to make library spaces more welcoming for longer visits. Haan Library will be rebuilt as a complex cultural space combining hands-on areas — including reading-camp activities, an art workshop, shared transcription sessions, a sound relaxation room and a game zone — with a cafe-style community area.
Gwangmyeong Library will be converted into a community space with a shared area for young adults and a digital creativity space for teenagers. Cheolsan Library will strengthen citizen-participation creation functions centered on an arts-based creative space called “Siseon.” Yeonseo Library will be improved into an open, neighborhood living-room style space for discussion, learning and communication, Kim said.
The city will also expand specialized programs by library. Haan Library will focus on digital education based on gaming, VR and AR. Soha Library will center on creative writing programs. Chungyeon Library will run children’s English reading programs. Gwangmyeong Library will strengthen makerspace-based digital and entrepreneurship education. Cheolsan Library will add arts creation and video production functions, and Yeonseo Library will operate programs built around reading communities.
Kim said the city will also promote a “2026 Gwangmyeong Citizens Read One Book Together” initiative to broaden participation in reading culture.
In addition, the city plans to run a book publishing support project so residents can take part in planning, writing and publishing, aiming to build a local creation ecosystem.
To support local bookstores, the city said it is operating a 10% cashback program for book purchases. Residents who buy books at local bookstores using local currency can receive a partial refund.
The city said it is also expanding public libraries and operating eight smart libraries to provide a neighborhood-based reading environment available 24 hours a day.
“Libraries are changing into public cultural platforms that support learning and rest, creation and communication close to citizens’ lives,” Kim said. “We will build a reading-culture city where books and people are connected.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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