A Big Encounter Created by Small Books
A Big Encounter Created by Small Books
Kyohwa Library Small Table
On July 4th and 5th, Kyohwa Library was bustling like a festive gathering.
This was all due to the '2026 Small Table'.
It is a small book fair organized by small publishers, independent creators, and bookstores.
The name 'Small Table' carries special meaning.
Instead of a grand stage, it creates a space where the creators of books and readers sit across a small table to share stories.
It narrows the distance between publishers and citizens, fostering a warm environment to exchange thoughts through books.
Recently, as the culture of independent publishing and small bookstores has spread nationwide, book fairs have established themselves as a cultural phenomenon.
The Small Table at Kyohwa Library, now in its third year, has become one of the events that best showcases the characteristics of the publishing city, Paju.
This event is part of Kyohwa Library's specialization project in publishing and printing.
The library plays a crucial role in connecting writers, publishers, and bookstores, revitalizing local reading culture.
This year, a total of 66 teams participated in the event.
From the basement to the third-floor lobby and small theater, the entire library was filled with books and citizens seeking them, along with various experiential activities.
Shall we take a look together?
Here, it’s a treasure trove of stories.
I couldn't take my eyes off it.
I received a gift of 'Gor Kiring', the protagonist of the philosophy of Gorongor!
Books that are hard to find in large bookstores captured the attention of visitors.
Travel journals, reflections on daily life, picture books, photo books, essays, and design books were all carefully placed on small tables, each containing its own unique story.
As I flipped through the pages, I asked the authors about their inspirations and production processes, leading to natural conversations.
It was a moment where a single book became a medium connecting people.
A wife who writes and a husband who draws shared their artistic journey recorded during their travels.
I gained new perspectives by reading the traces of life penned by the author over a long time.
The illustrations for the children's story 'Walked' written by the daughter were personally crafted by the mother, conveying warmth through each stitch in the story.
We also made character dolls with the authors.
A cute green fish from the deep sea!
We turned stories from the books into ornaments.
Let’s find strength today, even from a short line of text!
Memories of travel, delicious desserts...
I created a bookmark book with photos I want to remember.
For those who love traveling, the Santiago pilgrimage is a dream come true, let's walk through it in our hearts.
The fascinating world where books become pictures and pictures tell stories.
As I turned the pages, stories of rolling spheres unfolded.
In one corner of the small auditorium, instant portraits were being drawn.
The affectionate scene of a couple out for a Small Table outing became a wonderful artwork.
The greatest charm of the Small Table lies not in its scale but in its density.
While one tends to rush past numerous booths at large book fairs, here, I enjoyed lingering over a single book and having slow conversations.
Conversations that began at small tables have become links connecting books, people, and culture.
This event also held special significance for publishers.
It allowed them to closely observe readers' reactions, gain new ideas, and create a space for mutual support.
Independent publishing often involves solitary work, limiting opportunities for interaction among creators.
The Small Table became a valuable meeting space for sharing experiences and exploring collaboration possibilities.
The value gained by the local community is also significant.
Until now, opportunities for citizens to directly experience publishing culture have been limited.
The Small Table provided a chance for citizens to engage with publishing, which they may have found daunting, as a part of everyday culture.
Children meeting their favorite storybook authors, young adults discovering new possibilities in independent publishing, and adults sharing life stories through books — these experiences will enrich the cultural assets of the community.
Above all, the Small Table transforms the library from a place of 'reading and borrowing books' to a space 'creating culture'.
The change brought about by a small table is bigger than one might think.
Conversations that began with a single book connect people, link communities, and ultimately create new cultures.
Though small in scale, the significance contained within the Small Table was anything but minor.
Small books gather to create a big culture, and small encounters will become the power to change the future of the community.
Images:
Source :https://blog.naver.com/paju_si/224345292794
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