Seoul’s western districts to entertain book lovers

Guro-gu, a district in western Seoul, will beckon reading enthusiasts with a book festival at Anyangcheon Stream’s water park from Sept. 28 to 29.

The 12th edition of Guro Book Festival, titled “Humanism 2.0,” will offer hands-on activities and an exhibition, hosted by the district-based libraries and Guro Cultural Center.

Starting with a quiz at 11 a.m. on the opening day, the book lovers of all ages can enjoy live-drawing performance, mime show, poetry recitation and more.

Kim Kyung-il, a psychology professor at Ajou University, will hold a lecture on the importance and value of human in the AI era.

The outdoor library will become available to the public on Sept. 29.

Meanwhile, Gangseo-gu’s Book Festival, which started earlier this month, will run through Sept. 30.

A total of eight libraries in Gangseo-gu -- another district in western Seoul -- present different programs to get families and friends into autumn reading.

Acclaimed Korean author Kim Young-ha is scheduled to meet readers at Gangseo-gu Deungbit Library on Sept. 28.

His 90-minute talk concert aside, the library will display Kim’s books, entertain visitors with a magic show and caricature session as well.

More child-friendly programs are offered at Gilkkot Children’s Library in northern Gangseo-gu.

The library promotes book donation and exchange among the visitors, according to the district.

Children can not only enjoy book reading, but also make their own book stands, non-woven bags, enjoy a magic show, play outdoor activities like hoopla and “biseokchigi,” a land of conquest game.

Gomdalle Culture and Welfare Center turns itself into an outdoor, book-themed playground where the visitors can freely read books, play board games, make bookmarks and more, on Sept. 29.