CHANGWON — Reading a book in a park on an autumn evening, with music playing. Changwon will hold "2026 Changwon Book Festa," a reading culture festival, for two days starting Oct. 17 around Yongji Culture Park.
The city said on the 29th that about 40 reading-related institutions will take part, including public libraries, small community libraries, local bookstores and literary museums. The program features author lectures, reading experience booths, a special exhibition of Changwon's designated books and a reading quiz competition. The city described it as the largest reading culture festival in Changwon.
On the first day, Oct. 17, the opening ceremony will be followed by an awards ceremony for winners of the 2026 National Book Report Contest on Changwon's Books and for top teams in the reading relay. Kim Gyeo-wool, author of "Swimming Inside the Printed Word," will then give a lecture titled "Ready for Adventure: What It Means to Read." Kim will approach reading from the perspective of conversation, examining what reading means in the age of AI and the value of the reflection that books offer.
An evening program is also planned for that day, combining music performances with time set aside to focus on books. The segment returns after being held last year.
On the second day, Oct. 18, a reading quiz competition called "Challenge! Reading Golden Bell" will be held for elementary school students. Music performances and a magic show follow in the afternoon. Kim Min-seob, author of "We Can Afford to Be a Little Kinder," will discuss what humanity and kindness mean in the age of AI, drawing on various experiences and examples. The closing stage will be performed by the Jang Su-mi song-and-dance ensemble.
Hands-on programs will run over both days with the participation of Changwon's 13 public libraries, small community libraries, lifelong learning centers and local bookstores. They include "7-Minute Character Image Making," "Making Reading Mood Lamps and Wish Capsules," "Reading Preference Tests and a Mini Book About Me" and "Making My Own Character Candle." An outdoor library, reading lounges, cornhole and woodworking play areas, photo zones and a flea market will also operate.
"Changwon Book Festa is the city's flagship reading culture festival, and we are preparing an event full of enjoyment so that people can communicate through books and come together through culture," said Jung Suk-yi, head of Changwon's library office. "We hope residents will take a strong interest and join us."
More details are available on the website of the Changwon city library office.
