The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced plans to pursue various initiatives to transform libraries from simple reading spaces into comprehensive cultural hubs, marking Library Day.
Minister Choi Hwi-young delivered remarks at the commemorative ceremony for the 4th Library Day (April 12) and Library Week (April 12-18) held at Seonyudo Library in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul on April 10 under the theme "Small Openings in Libraries, Big Openings to the World."
"Libraries are now establishing themselves as public infrastructure that expands learning opportunities beyond spaces that accumulate knowledge and information," the minister said. "We will further expand their role as comprehensive cultural spaces that communicate through diverse cultural programs."
For the first time in the ceremony's history, representative libraries from all 17 metropolitan and provincial governments across the nation were connected via video conference. The initiative aims to break away from the siloed structure of individual libraries and expand into a system connecting knowledge and information nationwide.
An official from Gyeonggi Provincial Library said, "In this era of climate change and artificial intelligence, libraries will also embrace moments of change together with residents."
The ministry also announced support for 300 cultural arts and reading clubs at public libraries nationwide, a sixfold increase from 50 locations last year.
Seonyudo Library, which hosted the Library Day event, operates "Sairo," a youth space where visitors can experience technology, art, music and cooking alongside reading. The facility received a Presidential Award in last year's national library operations evaluation as a youth-centered cultural and learning hub.
Industry criticism also emerged. Lee Jin-woo, president of the Korean Library Association, expressed disappointment that "the recent change of the National Library Committee from directly under the President to under the Prime Minister is regrettable." He added, "Libraries must unite their efforts to strengthen their public character." The National Library Committee is scheduled to be repositioned under the Prime Minister starting in October.
The publishing industry, which has had distant relations with the ministry, signaled willingness to improve ties through dialogue. Kim Tae-heon, new president of the Korean Publishers Association who marked about one month in office, said in his congratulatory address, "We will contribute our strength through communication and dialogue not only within the publishing industry but also with the government."
