"Cultural Summer Retreat at the Library"... Seobitmaru Bookcance Draws Positive Response

Seo-gu in Gwangju Opens Libraries at Night

Enjoying Performances, Reading, Hands-on Activities, and Relaxation All Together

Amidst a prolonged heatwave and tropical nights, Seo-gu in Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeollanam-do, transformed local libraries into nighttime summer retreats, providing families with a cool space to enjoy culture and relaxation.

Seo-gu announced on the 10th that it hosted the "Seobitmaru Bookcance" at Seobitmaru Library on August 8th, with about 60 people from 15 families of elementary school students participating.

Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeollanam-do, held the 'Seobitmaru Bookcance' at Seobitmaru Library on the 8th, with the library and staff in attendance. The event was organized for 15 families of elementary school students, totaling about 60 people. Provided by Seo-gu

This event was organized so that residents could spend summer evenings at a nearby library with their families, instead of traveling far during the ongoing heatwave. In particular, the library was open at night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., transforming it from its usual role as a place for reading and borrowing books into an urban “cultural summer retreat” where visitors could enjoy performances, reading, hands-on activities, and relaxation all in one place.

The event began with a fusion gugak (Korean traditional music) performance, followed by interactive magic and balloon shows. There was also a session for "Good Reading Method Coaching," where participants received book recommendations tailored to their individual interests and reading habits. In addition, families enjoyed experiential programs that combined books and play, including sea fishing and donut-making activities linked to themed books, creating special memories together. A variety of programs—from performances and reading to hands-on activities—all took place in the library, receiving a positive response from the participating families.

Families who attended the event said, “It felt like we went on vacation, as we could stay cool in the library and enjoy performances and hands-on experiences without traveling far,” adding, “Everyone in the family had a wonderful time.”

Kim Ikang, Mayor of Seo-gu District, stated, “We organized this event to help residents suffering from the heatwave and tropical nights find relief and create enjoyable memories with their families at a nearby library. The library is evolving beyond a space for reading and borrowing books to become a place where residents can relax, have fun, and enjoy culture. We will continue to provide a variety of reading and cultural programs to reinforce this role.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.