5th Saenggeo Jincheon Book Festival

I recently attended the '5th Saenggeo Jincheon Book Festival' held at the Jincheon Public Library! This festival, which started in 2022, takes place every May at the library. This year marks its fifth edition, and I had a wonderful time participating in various experiential booths with my children.
The grassy square of the Jincheon Public Library transformed into a vibrant festival venue. A large stage was set up in the center, surrounded by experiential booths. It was amazing to see the library's lawn, usually quiet and serene, bustling with activity. On this day, the library was filled with joyful sounds.
During the festival, there were also snack events. By participating in a simple survey, children could enjoy popcorn, slushies, and ice cream. The library's thoughtful preparation ensured that everyone could enjoy these delicious treats comfortably. There was also a space in the middle for resting, making it perfect for enjoying snacks while watching performances or waiting for activities.
When I visited, several experiential booths had long lines, indicating the popularity of the festival. There were various programs prepared by different organizations, including 3D pen keychain making, food exploration, tarot card reading, essay tasting, and keycap making. It was a festival enjoyable for both children and adults, exceeding my expectations.
Personally, the event I was most looking forward to was the 'Thrifty Book Exchange.' This event allowed attendees to donate clean books they no longer read and exchange them for new ones. It was a great solution for those who find it wasteful to throw away perfectly good books but struggle with clutter at home. Donated books are given to those in need, while donors can discover new titles they want to read. I highly recommend this event for book lovers.
Additionally, the festival featured the declaration ceremony for 'Jincheon's Book.' This year, the chosen books were 'The Walking Club of Thirteen-Year-Olds' for children, 'The Shop That Opens When It Rains' for teenagers, and 'I Said Goodbye' for adults. Authors Kim Hye-jeong and Yoo Young-gwang attended the event, providing a chance for readers to meet them and get their books signed.
In addition to author meet-and-greets, there were various performances, including a bubble magic show and busking music performances. Although the festival centered around books, the combination of performances and experiential events created a welcoming atmosphere for people of all ages. I believe many attendees left feeling that the library is a more approachable cultural space.
This joyful experience, held just once a year, was truly delightful. It was a festival that welcomed not only book lovers but also those unfamiliar with libraries. I hope this book festival encourages more people to connect with libraries and discover the joy of reading. I look forward to more exciting cultural events at the Jincheon Public Library in the future.

Source :https://blog.naver.com/jincheongun/224283868233
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