Where would you put an outdoor library in Charlotte?

The concept of an outdoor library is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in the Queen City.

Two books being held in front of an outdoor green space.

Will you sit at a picnic table or lie in a hammock with your new book?

Photo by CLTtoday

A cool breeze, some vitamin D, and a good book. Does it get much better than that?

If you ask a resident of South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, the answer would probably be a resounding “no.” The city’s innovative Outdoor Library concept drew in a million visitors in the past three months, and has attracted 6 million since launching in 2022.

What is it?

“The Seoul Outdoor Library is designed as a vibrant space where people can freely read books and engage in cultural activities outside the traditional library setting,” according to the official city website. The space features chairs, rentable books, and multiple locations.

Where would one go in Charlotte?

Our vote? Ford Green at Camp North End. There’s plenty of open space for lounging — especially with the hammocks nearby — food vendors, and plenty of shops to take a break from the outdoors, including That’s Novel Books.

Where would you like to see an outdoor library in Charlotte? Let us know — we’ll share your ideas in a future newsletter.

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