The hot and humid weather proves that we’ve entered the monsoon season, the season during which sudden rain showers make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities. But it was somewhat depressing to stay home on the weekends, so I searched for libraries on the internet, found one public music library in Paju City, and went to visit that library. Though I don’t understand classic music well, I sometimes enjoy listening to it. Jazz and pop songs are, needless to say, also enjoyable. The name ‘Music Library’ gave me the expectation that I would be able to experience a wide variety of classic music.

This is Garam Library in Unjeong of Paju City. How pretty the name is. It is said that Garam is what Gang (‘river’ in Korean) used to be called long before, and I think the name, Garam Library, has that meaning. Garam Library is located about a 10-minute walk from Unjeong Station of Gyeongui Line. The beautiful scenery on the way made the walk felt very short.

Nearing the library I could understand at a glance why it is called a music library. It houses the ‘Solgaram Art Hall,’ and a classical music hall, as well. It seems no concert has recently taken place except for a popular classical concert that was held in conjunction with the opening ceremony in March. It would be great if the hall could host classical concerts more often. Such popular classical concerts generally take place in limited locations in Seoul only. In some ways, all regions other than Seoul are culturally isolated, and so I hope that this library serves as a multi-purpose cultural space for Paju residents. I look forward to future classical concerts.

The entrance didn’t differ from other general libraries. An exhibit of paintings was being held in the lobby. The monthly schedule was packed with various events and programs. It felt like a nice place to enjoy being together with local residents. 

Shall we explore the library? Since Unjeong is a new town and has huge apartment complexes, many youths are visible in the library and on the roads. A number of schools are located nearby as well, so the library provides separate spaces for children.

From the entrance onwards, the library seems somewhat special. Garam Library, as a music library, welcomes visitors with pictures of greatest musicians such as Mozart and Bach. The combination of a library and music seems strange but well matched.

The room is filled with books for children. A mother and a child, choosing books together, appear very charming.

Garam Library is well equipped with various amenities. Book search stands like those usually found in large bookstores are available in the library. Garam Library also paid great attention to the provision of convenience of its visitors with separate spaces for resting. Some middle school students are taking a rest there. They must have been tired of studying. The library also has children’s toilets and a private room for breastfeeding. Wouldn’t this make mothers feel more comfortable about coming here with their babies?

Let’s go downstairs. Above ground, the library and the art hall are two separate buildings, but they are connected underground. I see the music library, the highlight of Garam Library. Rest areas, well arranged from the entrance to the music library, look perfect for taking a break together with friends. Shelves full of music CDs make me feel rich. Over 4600 pieces of music are stocked here, and they are available for borrowing.

Garam Library is well equipped with various amenities. Book search stands like those usually found in large bookstores are available in the library. Garam Library also paid great attention to the provision of convenience of its visitors with separate spaces for resting. Some middle school students are taking a rest there. They must have been tired of studying. The library also has children’s toilets and a private room for breastfeeding. Wouldn’t this make mothers feel more comfortable about coming here with their babies?

Let’s go downstairs. Above ground, the library and the art hall are two separate buildings, but they are connected underground. I see the music library, the highlight of Garam Library. Rest areas, well arranged from the entrance to the music library, look perfect for taking a break together with friends. Shelves full of music CDs make me feel rich. Over 4600 pieces of music are stocked here, and they are available for borrowing.

There are also beautiful spaces to enjoy music. How about listening to music with headphones by the windows, like a scene from a TV drama? Audio and video rooms are available as well for listening to music and watching movies.

Garam Library, newly constructed, is so elaborately structured that I lost track of the time just looking around. According to the brochure, this library offers various events for local residents, such as film screenings and book discussions; these take place not only on weekends but also on weekdays. I truly envy the people living in the Unjeong area. 

The front yard is wide open, and bike stands are conveniently placed to allow everyone come and enjoy the facilities anytime in a leisurely manner.

The surroundings of Garam Library are also well landscaped, so it would be nice to enrich your mind with books and music, and then go out for a walk nearby. The fresh green leaves will wash your stress away.

Next to the library is Korean Park, a good place for a date. The bridge encountered on the way to Unjeong Station has such a beautiful name: Chaekhyangki Bridge. The name, meaning the ‘scent of books’, fits well with Garam Library and the identity of Paju City as a publishing and cultural community. The entire area of Unjeong gives off the feeling of a cultural place.

In addition to the Garam Library introduced today, there are many more specialized libraries in Gyeonggi Province. The Science Library in Uijeongbu has an Astro-Space Experience Center (link to Astro-Space Experience Center), and the Central Library in Gunpo (link to Central Library) specializes in the humanities. There are so many unique and interesting libraries that I cannot name them all. There are over 100 special libraries in Gyeonggi Province, and every single one of them would be a perfect destination for a date or family visits both during the hot summer and cold winter. Which library shall we go to next weekend?

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