On a recent Friday morning, in the square in front of Seoul City Hall, there was a group of children looking for books, lying on beanbag chairs, picnic mats or swinging benches in the warm sunlight.
Brightly colored bookshelves were scattered across the square’s open grassy space, beckoning passers-by to grab one and join them. Nearly 5,000 volumes of various genres and subjects, from children’s picture books to novels and essays, were available for on-site reading. There was a separate e-book corner where visitors could borrow tablets to read digital books.
From September 2 to November 13, the square becomes an open-air library for everyone every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday under the Seoul Municipal Government’s “Reading in Seoul Square” event. seoul
The open library is very suitable for children.
A corner of the square has been turned into a children’s park with bouncy houses and drawing boards.
The event organizers also have a toy lending service, which offers 75 different types of toys for children aged 1 to 6 years free of charge. With a valid ID, a teacher or parent can borrow toys for children for up to two hours.
Song, a 32-year-old teacher at a kindergarten in Yejang-dong, central Seoul, took her students, all 5 years old, on a field trip to the Seoul Square Open Library.
“Picnics and trips to distant places are on hold due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. I brought children here because children can not only study with books, but also do some physical activities at various stations of recreation,” said the teacher, who gave only her last name. .
Park, a 31-year-old Seoulite who works at a nearby company, said she stopped by the square to rest after lunch.
“A lot of office workers, myself included, usually come here for a walk after lunch. It’s so relaxing to lie in comfortable chairs, and the weather is perfect for reading books outdoors,” said Park, who preferred to be identified by her last name.
The outdoor reading campaign was first held in spring this year to celebrate World Book Day and has reopened for the autumn season.
“The event aims to offer residents an outdoor space to relax and better access to books. We will continue to improve the quality of life for residents through various cultural programs,” the city government said in a statement.
The open library is open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Fridays and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until November 13. The schedule is subject to change or cancellation depending on weather conditions. All visitors can read the books on the site free of charge.
(cjh@heraldcorp.com)
