Related News
Where reading matters: public library, residential 'book houses' and online book clubs
By Lu Xiaofeng and Fei Lai |
May 25, 2009, Monday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
MAY is Reading Month in Jiading District where libraries and "book houses" highlight residents' enthusiasm for the written word, whether printed or online.
While many people lament the lack of serious reading and "good" books in China, there's still a craving for useful information found in books, magazines, newspapers, reports and other materials.
"How-to books are getting popular these days, especially those on auto maintenance and computers," says Jin Yang who is in charge of the Jiading Library.
"Therefore, we add more and more reference books each week when we update our inventory," he says. "The global economic downturn may inspire people to study more to empower themselves, improve their skills and increase their job opportunities."
To help readers, the library has introduced databases which enable people to quickly locate professional information.
Since January, an average of 2,207 people visit the library daily, an increase of 13 percent over the previous year. In the first quarter, 2,207 people applied for library cards, an increase of 81 percent.
Books are also available at 35 residential "book houses" where people can read the latest newspapers and magazines.
Take Zhang Zhenming's home as example. His living room has been turned into a small study with desks and chairs for readers. Shelves display more than 20 newspapers and magazines. Books are also available.
"People of all ages come here to read. Some are in elementary school and some are in their eighties," says Zhang who receives around 10 readers a day.
To give people easy access to reading materials, the district has established 50 bigger "book houses." By the end of the year, all the villages in the district will be covered.
Many other people like to read and buy books online.
"I like to share my feelings after reading with friends online. We have formed a circle and we recommend new books to each other."
While many people lament the lack of serious reading and "good" books in China, there's still a craving for useful information found in books, magazines, newspapers, reports and other materials.
"How-to books are getting popular these days, especially those on auto maintenance and computers," says Jin Yang who is in charge of the Jiading Library.
"Therefore, we add more and more reference books each week when we update our inventory," he says. "The global economic downturn may inspire people to study more to empower themselves, improve their skills and increase their job opportunities."
To help readers, the library has introduced databases which enable people to quickly locate professional information.
Since January, an average of 2,207 people visit the library daily, an increase of 13 percent over the previous year. In the first quarter, 2,207 people applied for library cards, an increase of 81 percent.
Books are also available at 35 residential "book houses" where people can read the latest newspapers and magazines.
Take Zhang Zhenming's home as example. His living room has been turned into a small study with desks and chairs for readers. Shelves display more than 20 newspapers and magazines. Books are also available.
"People of all ages come here to read. Some are in elementary school and some are in their eighties," says Zhang who receives around 10 readers a day.
To give people easy access to reading materials, the district has established 50 bigger "book houses." By the end of the year, all the villages in the district will be covered.
Many other people like to read and buy books online.
"I like to share my feelings after reading with friends online. We have formed a circle and we recommend new books to each other."
- 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.
