Seoul's Mapo District will spend approximately 82 million won to add about 3,800 new books to nine district-run small libraries by December.
The district plans to place roughly 425 books per library at nine locations, including Kkumeul Iruneun Small Library, Neulpureun Sonamu Small Library, and Seongsan Geulmaru Small Library. The additions will bring the total collection across district-run small libraries to approximately 157,000 volumes.
The district will build tailored collections reflecting the characteristics of users ranging from infants and children to teenagers and adults, as well as the spatial conditions of each library. Operations will center on new releases and high-demand titles, linked with book curation, reading culture programs, and hands-on workshops.
New books will be supplied in four rounds throughout the year through four local bookstores within the district. The approach aims to boost budget efficiency under Korea's fixed book price system while also stimulating the local economy.
Mapo District expects the project to establish small libraries as community-oriented, everyday cultural spaces driven by resident participation.