Home
» City specials
» Hangzhou
Book lovers' haven
By Tan Meiyi |
March 22, 2010, Monday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
FOR a city with scenic tourist attractions and a rich cultural heritage, the modern Hangzhou Library might seem insignificant among famous places like West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda and Lingyin (Retreat of Soul) Temple.
It does not boast a history which stretches back for centuries, and definitely isn't anything natural. Despite all that, the modern library has its own unique charm, holding readers spellbound in a realm where books and an inspiring reading environment set the imagination free.
Established in 1958, the old Hangzhou Library was located at the junction between Qingnian and Huansha roads. It was moved to its current site at the Citizen Center in October 2008, not far from the Qiantang River, and within Hangzhou's new town which is being developed into a central business district.
As part of the skyline of imposing buildings, the elegant Citizen Center gives the impression of four people holding hands in a circle of harmony. This architecture design befits the library's function as a community and learning center.
At 50,000 square meters, the new library has five levels and contains resources that amount to more than two million as of 2009. Under the theme of "people's library; the citizens' reading corner," every section is delightfully furnished in different styles such as Zen, Western and country, and always finished with a soothing, pleasing touch.
There are 2,000 study areas equipped with personal study lamps, power supplies and free Wi-Fi of excellent coverage - all installed for the convenience and comfort of library-goers. Readers wandering up to the reference level will find themselves humbled in the dignified presence of books resting neatly on shelves that reach the ceilings.
On the other hand, readers can enjoy a different reading experience at the foreign language section where reading areas are reminiscent of salons in stately English homes. There is even a virtual fireplace as the heater to ensure a complete grand treatment.
Homely and embracing, there is space aplenty in the library for readers to cuddle up with a book or for students to immerse in an environment conducive to learning. Another unique area in the library is the calligraphy room in traditional, Chinese classic setting.
For its role as a community center, the library includes facilities such as conference rooms, an auditorium for events, and a lavish guest room where important visitors are received. Guest speakers are often invited to give talks on various studies and issues.
Since its founding, the motto of Hangzhou Library has been "to offer free and equal services for all to enjoy." It stayed true to its word during its major overhaul, revising its regulations and doing away with red tape.
Hangzhou residents can now use their identification cards instead of applying for library cards to loan books, and as books are all insured, deposits for borrowing books, and fines for lost or overdue books are now a thing of the past.
In contrast to most libraries that restrict readers to certain areas, Hangzhou Library opens up to 90 percent of its space, fulfilling its goal of providing services to all.
By remaining up to date with technological advancements, Hangzhou Library demonstrates its willingness to keep in step with a constantly progressing world, and its understanding of being in the 21st century. Library items are fixed with radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, a technology that uses radio waves to facilitate quick scanning and item identification, instead of the traditional barcodes.
Books can be scanned while in motion, thus reducing queuing time and increasing staff efficiency. As part of the library's collection that ranges from reference books in different fields of studies, to lifestyle and fiction, traditional Chinese books stand out as a distinct feature. These books are reproduced from originals using advanced methods that prevent any damage, and thus can be accessed by anyone.
In addition, the library has also founded a world-class music library, which not only gives music lovers a deeper insight into the music world, but has also deeply enriched the lives of the people.
There are two music halls: the main one consisting of personal audio booths and computers while; the second one allows public movie screenings.
Apart from these two, there are four special music rooms, to be booked in advance, especially the largest room which is equipped with the latest audio-visual technology and surround sound system. Hence with access to master pieces by world-renown composers throughout history, the general public is positively encouraged to include music in their everyday lives.
If knowledge is wealth, the library certainly has a key role to play in a country going through rapid development and transitional phases. In 2009, it saw an increase of 192 percent of books on loan, 89.9 percent more borrowers, and issued more than 92,000 library membership cards, a tribute to its innovation and emphasis on motivating readers to explore.
It does not boast a history which stretches back for centuries, and definitely isn't anything natural. Despite all that, the modern library has its own unique charm, holding readers spellbound in a realm where books and an inspiring reading environment set the imagination free.
Established in 1958, the old Hangzhou Library was located at the junction between Qingnian and Huansha roads. It was moved to its current site at the Citizen Center in October 2008, not far from the Qiantang River, and within Hangzhou's new town which is being developed into a central business district.
As part of the skyline of imposing buildings, the elegant Citizen Center gives the impression of four people holding hands in a circle of harmony. This architecture design befits the library's function as a community and learning center.
At 50,000 square meters, the new library has five levels and contains resources that amount to more than two million as of 2009. Under the theme of "people's library; the citizens' reading corner," every section is delightfully furnished in different styles such as Zen, Western and country, and always finished with a soothing, pleasing touch.
There are 2,000 study areas equipped with personal study lamps, power supplies and free Wi-Fi of excellent coverage - all installed for the convenience and comfort of library-goers. Readers wandering up to the reference level will find themselves humbled in the dignified presence of books resting neatly on shelves that reach the ceilings.
On the other hand, readers can enjoy a different reading experience at the foreign language section where reading areas are reminiscent of salons in stately English homes. There is even a virtual fireplace as the heater to ensure a complete grand treatment.
Homely and embracing, there is space aplenty in the library for readers to cuddle up with a book or for students to immerse in an environment conducive to learning. Another unique area in the library is the calligraphy room in traditional, Chinese classic setting.
For its role as a community center, the library includes facilities such as conference rooms, an auditorium for events, and a lavish guest room where important visitors are received. Guest speakers are often invited to give talks on various studies and issues.
Since its founding, the motto of Hangzhou Library has been "to offer free and equal services for all to enjoy." It stayed true to its word during its major overhaul, revising its regulations and doing away with red tape.
Hangzhou residents can now use their identification cards instead of applying for library cards to loan books, and as books are all insured, deposits for borrowing books, and fines for lost or overdue books are now a thing of the past.
In contrast to most libraries that restrict readers to certain areas, Hangzhou Library opens up to 90 percent of its space, fulfilling its goal of providing services to all.
By remaining up to date with technological advancements, Hangzhou Library demonstrates its willingness to keep in step with a constantly progressing world, and its understanding of being in the 21st century. Library items are fixed with radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, a technology that uses radio waves to facilitate quick scanning and item identification, instead of the traditional barcodes.
Books can be scanned while in motion, thus reducing queuing time and increasing staff efficiency. As part of the library's collection that ranges from reference books in different fields of studies, to lifestyle and fiction, traditional Chinese books stand out as a distinct feature. These books are reproduced from originals using advanced methods that prevent any damage, and thus can be accessed by anyone.
In addition, the library has also founded a world-class music library, which not only gives music lovers a deeper insight into the music world, but has also deeply enriched the lives of the people.
There are two music halls: the main one consisting of personal audio booths and computers while; the second one allows public movie screenings.
Apart from these two, there are four special music rooms, to be booked in advance, especially the largest room which is equipped with the latest audio-visual technology and surround sound system. Hence with access to master pieces by world-renown composers throughout history, the general public is positively encouraged to include music in their everyday lives.
If knowledge is wealth, the library certainly has a key role to play in a country going through rapid development and transitional phases. In 2009, it saw an increase of 192 percent of books on loan, 89.9 percent more borrowers, and issued more than 92,000 library membership cards, a tribute to its innovation and emphasis on motivating readers to explore.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
