USAG YONGSAN -- Starting mid-January of this year, U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan's Library is going through a makeover as a result of being selected as one of the facilities sharing in a portion of Installation Management Command's "Million Dollar Makeover Initiative." The initiative targeted the enhancement of facilities for children and teens, and the Yongsan Library will now be able to better accommodate the needs of other members of the military community as well.
With the funds it was awarded, the Yongsan Library decided to eliminate the quiet study room for adults and expand the Children's Room. The children's room will be equipped with soundproof walls, allowing those using the Yong Adult's room to do so without being disturbed.
"I think the community will be very happy with the new environment," said Dr. Esther Kim, Director of the USAG Yongsan Library. "The children's room we had before had a fair amount of space for programs and events, but the furniture, as well as the carpet was getting old. With the renovations, we will replace the old furniture with new, colorful ones."
Along with noticeable changes in interior design, the Yongsan Library has plans to enhance both the quality and quantity of the services it provides for the youth. A notable new program will be the "Teen Youth Book Club" where young adults meet once a month to have in-depth book discussions.
"These days, we want to invest more in children and teens because we want to bring them to the library," explained Kim. "There is a growing concern that the younger generation turn to other sources of entertainment rather than coming to read at the library. Thankfully, there hasn't been a significant decline in the number of young adults that visit throughout the years."
In fact, according to the library staff, the check-out rate of books and DVDs that are popular among teens have actually increased in the past few years. The library currently holds about 40,000 books, 20,000 DVDs, and 8,000 music CDs. Approximately 500 people visit the library every day, and about 450 items are checked out daily.
"I'm sure there are folks who have been here for a year or two and have never stepped inside the Yongsan Library," said Jeffrey Wertz, Director of Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation. "If they took a minute to walk in and see what they had to offer, whether it's computers during lunchtime or the large amount of books, they would become regular members."
Apart from materials that help build knowledge, the library provides a space for community members to come and interact with each other.
"Nowadays, I think socializing has become a lost art," said Wertz. "The library plays an integral part in helping people develop social skills by creating an environment where one can meet others."
The library staff expects the refurbished spaces to have a positive effect within the garrison.
"We want to see children and teens grow up and become good citizens of their community," said Kim. "If they develop the early habit of reading, we expect that they will be able to learn more and be exposed to heroes that they can look up to throughout their lives. Furthermore, by seeing others at the library and interacting with them, they will be able to learn outside their books as well. In the end, we hope this will create a positive, community-wide influence."
The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the Yongsan Library on March 22, 10:45 a.m., and will be open to our young customers and the Yongsan Garrison community.
Related Links:
U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan Homepage
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