The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister YU In Chon, MCST) in collaboration with the Committee on Library and Information Policy (Chairman YOON Hee Yoon) will hold the “2024 Library Day and Library Week” from April 11 (Thur) to April 18 (Fri) at libraries nationwide, including the National Library of Korea. Minister YU In Chon will attend the commemoration at the International Conference Hall of the National Library of Korea on April 12 (Fri) to celebrate Library Day and Library Week, offering encouragement to officials in attendance.

The Library Day is officially designated as a commemorative day on April 12 every year to promote the social and cultural value of libraries as hubs for free access to knowledge and culture and to foster community solidarity. This year marks the second anniversary of this day.

Events and Citizen Participation at the National Library of Korea on April 11 to 12

On April 11 (Thur) and 12 (Fri), the National Library of Korea will host commemorative events centered around the theme of The Library Holds Your Tomorrow, the winning entry of the 2024 Library Day and Library Week theme contest.

On April 12 (Fri), the commemoration ceremony will feature a video presentation of the Library Day declaration, the presentation of awards to those who have made significant contributions to libraries and related fields, and a celebratory performance by the saxophone ensemble “S.WITH.” During this event, a librarian and five individuals from various age groups will read the Library Day Declaration, emphasizing the library’s social role and vision. At the International Conference Hall of the National Library of Korea on April 11 (Thur) and 12 (Fri), there will be an international conference themed Libraries and Literacy: The Power to Lead the Future, a hackathon competition on future library policy ideas, a discussion with CHOI Eun Young, author of “Bright Night,” and a reinterpretation of CHOI’s “Bright Night” through a pansori.

Moreover, citizen engagement events designed to boost interest and understanding of libraries will be held. The outdoor courtyard of the National Library of Korea will host the Library Picnic: What’s New in Libraries? event, featuring an “Information Zone” dedicated to libraries, librarians, and literacy, an outdoor reading space called the “Picnic Zone,” and an “Experience Zone” where participants can create bookmarks and pop-up books. The event will also include a variety of activities, including experience booths, outdoor bookstores, and street performances, in collaboration with the Seocho Cultural Belt Creation (Book Street) Festival. Detailed information about this commemorative event can be found on the official website (www.libraryday.kr).

My Neighborhood Library Project Across the Nation During “Library Week (April 12–18)”

The Ministry in partnership with libraries nationwide will launch My Neighborhood Library Project during Library Week (April 12–18). Through a competitive selection process, 30 libraries, spanning public, university, school, military, and specialized libraries, will be chosen to host Visiting Author Lectures. Furthermore, seven libraries will receive support to operate the Library Promotion Booth in the outdoor courtyard of the National Library of Korea.

Events that actively promote the value and necessity of libraries will be conducted. These include an experience marketing event called the Go to the Library Challenge utilizing popular applications (apps), storytelling sessions for sharing library usage anecdotes and experiences, and promotional support to introduce library programs by region and type. In addition, promotional videos for the Library Usage Culture Campaign will be distributed to libraries nationwide to foster a library environment where users and librarians can enjoy together.

Minister YU In Chon said, “Libraries are the most fundamental local cultural facilities where anyone can freely enjoy knowledge and culture, and all generations can come together. MCST will continue to support libraries in adapting to the rapidly changing knowledge and cultural environment, transforming individual lives and fostering the future.”