The “Special Exhibition of Books for All by IBBY,” which showcases books for both disabled and non-disabled readers, visited Pusan National University (PNU) as the first stop of their tour of the country. News of the unique exhibition continues to attract students from PNU. In a space where unique books that are usually difficult to find are gathered, students can break stereotypes about the shape of books and build understanding and empathy towards people with disabilities. 

The “IBBY Special Exhibition of Books for Everyone” will be held from May 1st to 19th at the complex cultural space on the 1st floor at PNU's Central Library. The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) organized this exhibition to encourage the publication and dissemination of “Books for All” beyond disabled and non-disabled. 

Everyone can freely read various types of books when they visit the exhibition. The exhibited books were classified into three categories: books in a particular form, books written easily, and books depicting disabilities. The 40 books from 26 countries worldwide tell various stories but have a common goal of breaking stereotypes about the type of book or disability. 

PNU students, whom we met at the exhibition, responded with wonder when they encountered unfamiliar types of books such as sign language books, braille books, tactile books, and pictogram books. This is because most of the books in the nearby bookstores and libraries are consisted of text and simple pictures. An official of the PNU library planning and public relations team said, "It is difficult to find books for the disabled in both bookstores and libraries. Books for the disabled are necessary."

Among the exhibited books, one Korean book was also included. It is "Introducing My Child: Stories of Special Children You Can Meet Anytime" in the “Description of Disability” category. This book was written and illustrated by children with developmental disabilities and the 11 mothers who have raised them. Composed of colorful pictures, it provides an opportunity to understand the daily lives of children with disabilities and their parents.

The exhibition hall also provides unique experience opportunities. PNU students who visited the exhibition hall learned braille at the “Making Braille Cards” booth and made their own cards. Braille cards made by many students could be seen in the booth where the Hangeul braille reading and writing tables were attached. Lee Yeo-Jin (Dept. of Chemistry, 18), who participated in the experience, said, "Through the experience, it was amazing to be able to understand and use the unfamiliar writing system of braille."

PNU library and IBBY hope to draw understanding and sympathy for people with disabilities in Korea through this exhibition. An official of the PNU library planning and public relations team said, "This exhibition will be held at the Central Library, which is accessible to residents. I hope it can awaken the social responsibility of understanding and empathizing about the disabled to the local community."

Reporter Sim Se-Hee

Translated by Choi Ye-Won