Citizen Action for Reading builds up “Miracle Library.”

Citizen Action for Reading started the “Miracle Library Project” in 2003 to bring library services to children in small towns, cities and rural areas, and has been able to build, as of now, a total of 11 libraries for children. There are Miracle Libraries in Suncheon, Jecheon, Jinhae, Jeju, Seogwipo, Cheongju, Ulsan,Geumsan,Bupyeong,Jeongeup,andGimhae.

Miracle Libraries provide all children with attractive environments in which they read books without discrimination while nurturing their dreams. Miracle Libraries are the cultural hubs of the communities, child care support facilities for parents, and at the same time, fantastic reading spaces for children.

 

Citizen Action for Reading runs the “Bookstart Korea” program.

Bookstart is social support for childcare under the motto of “starting life with books.” Bookstart aims to provide a free pack of books to every baby in Korea to inspire, stimulate and create a love of reading that will give children a flying start in life. Bookstart packs are distributed by public health centers, public libraries, Miracle Libraries, village offices and other public institutions. Babies and parents can communicate with each other; get to know each other, read picture books together. Books help the emotional and intellectual development of babies. Bookstart programs contribute to the family communal culture through books.

Citizen Action for Reading started Bookstart Korea programs in 2003. So far, 137 local areas(at present 137/229 local areas, 60%) are covered by Bookstart Korea programs nationwide, and the number is increasing every year.

Bookstart Korea suggests a novel paradigm of childcare. Bookstart Korea programs propagate the idea of cooperative childcare because they are founded on the partnerships among all parents.

 

Citizen Action for Reading supports school libraries in rural areas.

Many schools in remote and secluded places have such poor surroundings that they have few decent libraries. Every schoolchild has the right to read books in beautiful and pleasant school libraries. Moreover, in rural areas, the school is often the focal point for the local community. Citizen Action for Reading not only builds school libraries as the heart of education, but also takes the initiative in suggesting the new model of school library.

 

Citizen Action for Reading supports small libraries.

“Small Libraries for All” project has been providing free access to information services and tools to local residents of all age groups. So far Citizen Action for Reading has managed to build or renovate 19 community libraries, 2 farmers’ libraries, and furnished books, computers and other digital tools to 298 small community libraries.

 

Citizen Action for Reading works for reading promotion in the form of:

1. Educational Course for Debate : Citizen Action for Reading runs the educational course for debate in order to create a mature discussion culture. There are discussion training programs and book discussions for teachers, librarians, college students and parents in the educational course of Citizen Action for Reading.

2. Public Lecture : Public lectures hosted by Citizen Action for Reading are special lectures about topical issues. Professionals from each field give in-depth opinions and speeches to the ordinary citizens.

3. Lecturing Tour of Cultural Ambassadors : Writers, musicians, play specialists, artists are invited as guest speakers to the seminars in libraries, school libraries, small libraries, and Miracle Libraries throughout the country.

4. Beloved Reading Companions : “Beloved Reading Companions” program helps children who have reading and learning disabilities from the poorest backgrounds. They are encouraged to read and study through some special care of volunteers in the libraries affiliated with Citizen Action for Reading.

5. Books with Wings : Citizen Action for Reading provides schoolchildren throughout the country with free packs of books and the opportunities to have a variety of cultural experiences.

6. Support for Book Clubs : Citizen Action for Reading gives aid to various book clubs, thus promoting reading culture and citizens’ free study.