Various reading events will be held across Korea to mark National Library Day (April 12) and Library Week (April 12-18).
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held a ceremony Thursday at Seonyudo Library in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, under the theme "Small Openings in Libraries, Big Doors to the World," officially kicking off the 2026 National Library Day celebrations and Library Week events. The ministry will partner with local governments to host diverse cultural programs nationwide starting from this day.
In Seoul, the National Library of Korea will host a book talk with author Seul-a Lee, while the National Library for Children and Young Adults will present a picture book lecture by author Ji-eun Lee. The National Sejong Library will operate "Healing Bookping," an outdoor camping-style library experience.
Regional libraries will also offer programs during Library Week, including author meet-and-greets, original illustration exhibitions, transcription programs, book recommendations, and expanded borrowing limits. Outdoor events drawing particular attention include Daegu Gususan Library's "Book Festival," Yongin Suji Sinjeong Cultural Park's "Reading Culture Festival," Sokcho Education and Culture Center's "Yeongrangho Cherry Blossom Booth," and Jeju Halla Library's "Forest Book Picnic." Other notable programs include Haenam County Library's book exchange event in South Jeolla Province and the "Book & Beat" program combining reading quizzes with b-boy performances at the Buan Student Education and Culture Center under the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Provincial Office of Education.
The ministry recognized and awarded three organizations and 18 individuals for their contributions to improving library services and operational innovation. Book21 Publishing Group, Communication Books, and Veto were selected as outstanding legal deposit publishers, while four central government agencies and eight local governments were chosen as excellent institutions for implementing the Fourth Comprehensive Library Development Plan.
Notably, Seonyudo Library, where the National Library Day ceremony was held, received the Presidential Award in the 2025 National Library Operation Evaluation. The library was recognized for establishing itself as a youth-centered cultural and learning hub, including the creation of "Sairo," a dedicated space for teenagers.
Meanwhile, according to the ministry's 2025 National Reading Survey, Korea's annual comprehensive reading rate among adults stands at 38.5 percent. Notably, six out of ten adults did not read a single book over the past year—the lowest figure since the survey began in 1994.
"Libraries are spaces that expand learning opportunities beyond simply storing knowledge and information," Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young said. "We will continue to expand their role as diverse cultural complex spaces."
