A couple weeks ago, I attended a classic Czech styled puppet show held at the Baedari library. I know what you may be thinking: a Czech performance? In Pyeontaek? Well that’s right! It is part of an international series being held at the Pyeongtaek Municipal Baedari Library.
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| Exterior of the Baedari Library in Pyeongtaek |
Before the show we walked and looked at the many displays showcasing the Czech culture. A library employee then invited my daughter to play a trivia game. He was very kind, spoke clear English, and rewarded her with a beautiful book about the Czech Republic. When it was time, we walked into the small auditorium to find our seats for the show.
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| Books on display celebrating the Czech Republic |
One woman performed all the roles herself and held up very intricate and expressive wooden puppets to tell an ancient Korean folktale. She sang and danced with props and light effects, and even though I do not understand much of the Korean language, I was entertained by the colors and voices. My daughter sat in the audience with me and there were many other children that watched the show with us.
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| Czech style puppet show in the auditorium |
When it had ended, we decided to look around at the rest of the library. I am surprised that I have not been here before! It is a beautiful three story building with the avid reader in mind. The main entry way leads you to a grand staircase which doubles as a relaxing reading space. Along the large steps are comfortable pads to lean on and large windows providing natural sunlight.
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| main staircase with seating area and decorations |
On the first floor next to the auditorium is a room just for kids. Behind the sliding glass doors are many shelves filled with books for young readers. There is even a section of books written in English! Next to the shelves are computers and tables at just the right height for kids. It is a very inviting atmosphere.
To see an even larger collection of books you can go to the second floor. You will also find a room there dedicated to serving Americans who are visiting or living in Pyeongtaek. As you walk around the library make sure to pay attention to the walls. There are pieces of art hanging on almost every surface you walk by!
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| artwork hanging on the walls of the library |
Once you feel like the entire inside of the library has been explored don’t forget to head outside to admire the view of the beautiful Baedari Reservoir. There are uniquely designed benches and swings to aid your outdoor relaxation and they only add to the overall peaceful setting that the library provides.
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| artistic outdoor environment behind the library |
The Baedari Library is open every day from 0900-2000. It is closed on the first and third Mondays and legal holidays. There is a parking lot that provides free parking for the first three hours of your visit, so take your time! If you want to take part in some of the events for the international series they will be focusing on Russia in September, the United States in October, and South Africa in November. Posters on the outside doors contain all the information you will need to take full advantage of the Baedari Library
*NOTE FROM PIEF: If you are interested in the event mentioned in the article, the next World Culture Week (Russia) will be hosted in October. Once the date nears, information will be posted on the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation’s Facebook page.
This article is written by Hadley Holyoak a PIEF Foreign Reporter
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