Incheon's Jung-gu District announced Monday that it has opened a childcare and education-focused library, "Yeongjong Hanulnuri Small Library," in Yeongjong International City.
Yeongjong International City has the steepest population growth among zones in the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ). Its population rose 25% over three years, from 108,565 in October 2022 to 135,856 in October last year. That compares with 18% growth in Songdo International City and just 1% in Cheongna International City over the same period. A continued influx of young families has driven rapid growth in the infant and child population.
To meet rising demand, the district built the library on the second floor of the Yeongjong Hanulnuri Center, a school-combined community facility, spanning 192.57 square meters. The collection holds 4,124 volumes, including 2,625 books for infants and children and 600 for young adults. The district plans to continuously expand the collection by purchasing titles requested by residents.
A comprehensive childcare support center and a community care center also operate in the same building. Parents can enjoy reading or borrow books with their children while using the childcare services.
The library is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on weekends and public holidays.
"This is a cultural space where parents and children can learn and relax together," Jung-gu District Mayor Kim Jeong-heon said. "We will devote all our efforts to promoting the local reading culture."