A Day at the Library: Cherishing Moments with My Child
While pondering where to go with my child, the library naturally came to mind.
Playgrounds are great, and there are many experiential spaces, but when you want to spend time slowly without any schedule, few places are as pressure-free as a library.
The recently renovated children's area of the Dangjin Library reminded me of the value of 'taking time slowly.'
Located at 266 Seobu-ro, Dangjin, this library is open from 9 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and until 6 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Upon entering the first floor, the exhibition of original illustrations from picture books, along with the library filled with images and the tree that opens books, stimulates children's imaginations with recommended readings.
The 'Book Exchange' space also caught my attention. It is a space where users can freely leave and take books, allowing for a relaxed exchange. You can drop off books that you no longer read at home and take some back to enjoy later.
This month, a reading group with author Lee Kyung-hee is planned for about eight book lovers, where participants can read the same book each month and share their thoughts.
The Dangjin Library allows borrowing of up to 20 books per person until the 14th, with a children's area, general materials section, and self-study room available. After a simple identity verification, you can easily obtain a library card.
Entering the children's area, it was much brighter and more organized than before. The lower bookshelves allow children to choose books from their perspective, and the layout encourages them to sit comfortably on the floor and explore.
With the 'Book Connection' service, you can borrow books from participating libraries nationwide. Although librarians are not present during lunch hours from 12 PM to 1 PM, you can freely read books.
This month's theme books are about 'Our Lunar New Year,' perfectly aligning with the season and holidays.
It's wonderful that the theme resonates with the weather and festivities. Without me prompting, my child often stands in front of the shelves, contemplating which book to pick.
Watching my child flip through pages and ponder over the illustrations has become a meaningful experience for me as a parent.
The time spent reading together is play for my child and an observation time for me.
Rather than focusing on how many words are read, I noticed where my child pauses and which illustrations capture their attention.
In those moments, I enjoyed being a fellow reader rather than a teacher.
It was heartwarming to see children coming alone to read during the vacation.
Reading at the Dangjin Library is not about achieving results. It doesn't matter how many books were read or how long we sat there. What matters is the memory of spending time side by side in the same space.
Another charm of the Dangjin Library is the 'Coffee-scented Library' operating every Wednesday and Thursday.
After spending ample time in the children's area, moving to the book café, I was greeted by a gentle aroma of coffee that filled the space. The quietness of the library combined with the coffee scent created a soothing atmosphere.
In the book café, there were various ways people spent their time. Some read quietly, while others took notes or drew scenes from books with colored pencils.
It is a space where everyone can linger at their own pace, which feels like the library's greatest strength.
My time spent copying sentences with my child was special. Focusing on their hand movements while writing short phrases made the surrounding noise fade away.
For my child, it was a time to learn letters, and for me, it was a peaceful moment to reflect on the day.
Even though we spent the same time at the same table, we could each enjoy a different kind of rest. This year, I borrowed a book related to my New Year's resolution of exercising, inspired by the slogan 'Let's stick to our diet for a year!'
There are also materials published by the Chungcheongnam-do Office of Education available for the intergenerational empathy project and literacy education in innovative schools, so I encourage you to visit the library.
The newly renovated children's area of the Dangjin Library has become a first space for children to become familiar with books and a place for parents to observe their child's growth slowly.
The coffee-scented library on Wednesdays and Thursdays transforms the library from a 'quiet study space' to a 'desired living space.'
In the busy routine of life, there have been many days where it is hard to remember what I did with my child. However, the day spent in the library remains vividly in my memory, from the hands turning pages to the focused faces drawing, and the slow time flowing amidst the coffee aroma.
If you wish to have a meaningful day with your child, come to the Dangjin Library!
Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224171151568
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