Suwon Seryou Middle School Selected for '1318 Book Lovers Take Over the Library' for Third Consecutive Year

[News S=Reporter Lee Min-jung] Seryou Middle School in Suwon (Principal Lee Geum-suk) has been selected for the third consecutive year for the '1318 Book Lovers Take Over the Library' project hosted by the National Library for Children and Young Adults. This is the only selection in the Suwon region.

'1318 Book Lovers Take Over the Library' is a youth reading culture project supported by the National Library for Children and Young Adults to foster self-directed reading habits among young people and promote reading culture within schools. The program selects and supports 100 middle and high schools nationwide each year.

Beginning with Library Day in April, students participate in various reading and discussion programs and activities including △exploring classic literature △morning reading sessions △reciting and memorizing poetry △appreciating original artwork displays (monthly) △Seba-dok, a book recommendation relay to transform Seryou Middle School (monthly) △subject-integrated collaborative classes at the school library (year-round) △reading marathons (year-round) △book lovers reading discussions (monthly) △integrated support class 'Please Read to Us' activities △digital literacy △May Family Month carnation craft-making program △June reading programs for Environment Day and the Month of Patriotic Remembrance △meetings with authors (3 times).

In particular, the school plans to operate reading programs utilizing edu-tech this year.

Third-year student Jang Su-yeon, who has participated in activities for three years, said, "It was amazing to see various thoughts emerge each month during our reading discussions on one topic. I came to understand that we are all different, and because we are different, people can have different thoughts from me. I feel proud and pleased that I've grown as a result."

Second-year student Kim A-yoon also said, "I promoted reading activities to friends, planned programs, and participated in various book lover activities, which was more fun than expected. I hope to work even harder this year to help friends become more interested in books."

Seryou Middle School Principal Lee Geum-suk stated, "In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), simple knowledge can be found through searches. What is important is nurturing talent who can think about questions that only humans can ask, and the answer to this lies in books. I hope students experience diverse reading cultures, come to appreciate the joy of reading, and grow into students who always keep books close at hand."