Gyeonggi Helps Information-Vulnerable Social Groups through Book-Reading Activities!

Gyeonggi Helps Information-Vulnerable Social Groups through Book-Reading Activities!

Gyeonggi Province is operating the "Book Reading Activity Support Project for Information-Vulnerable Social Groups" to aid the elderly, disabled individuals, immigrant women, multicultural and low-income children, adolescents and others who have difficulties visiting libraries.

The project features a "visiting book-reading culture program" that will be held in 50 institutions for vulnerable social groups.

The Book Reading Activity Support Project for Information-Vulnerable Social Groups provides various reading experiences such as reading coaching and special lectures by writers to those who have difficulties joining such activities due to economic or physical constraints.

The terms “information-vulnerable social group” refers to those who have limited access to libraries due to physical, cultural, economic, and/or social constraints.

This initiative covers a number information-vulnerable group categories: those physically limited due to disability or age; those with language or cultural differences such as multicultural families; and those facing economic challenges such as income disparity or unemployment, as well as single-parent families and out-of-school youths.

@Gyeonggi Province

The Book Reading Activity Support Project for Information-Vulnerable Social Groups contributes to resolving the knowledge gap faced by those who fall in information blind spots through the provision of services that match the needs of each group. By encouraging book reading, this initiative can also provide opportunities for balancing one's mind and body and for participating in social activities.

Approximately 550 professional instructors who are members of the Korea Reading Guidance Research Association Cooperative will carry out the project at 50 institutions including libraries, welfare centers for the elderly, multilingual institutions, local youth centers, institutions for the disabled, special schools, and more.

The program consists of "reading coach classes" and "special reading lectures by visiting writers."

@Gyeonggi Province

The reading coach classes will integrate various methods, including reading activities that enhance digital literacy and communication skills, online and offline discussions/debates, writing, and bookmaking.

The special reading lectures by visiting writers focus on experiences including lectures on books by the invited writers, conversations with the writers, and puppet performances.

This project aims to resolve the information gap by forming social bonds and enhancing literacy through book reading.

Gyeonggi Province will continue to expand the library service range so as to improve quality of life for residents while also vitalizing book reading culture among members information-vulnerable social groups.