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Another chapter in book boreowing
February 28, 2011, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
VICTORIA Fei
Chen Tianxiang loves reading and collecting books. The 22-year-old history major at Fudan University has now taken his hobby to a new level, opening the schools's first student-owned library.
The Tong Ren Tang library features mores than 3,000 books and they are showcased in three 10-square-meter dorms. They are neatly stored and sorted into categories. Most of the titles cover subjects such as history, culture, philosophy, economics and politics.
Chen says he started collecting the books in his freshman year at Fudan.
"I don't have high expectations about the library. I just hope those who also like reading can share more," he says.
The founder is proud his library provides a personal touch to book lending services to students, which is different from other libraries.
"Goodness knows how long it will take the university library to update new books and stock best sellers," Chen says. "Although my book collection obviously doesn't compare with the university library in volume, students can ask me for specific titles."
Chen's library even provides a delivery service. Each member receives an e-booklist after registering with their student ID, dorm room number and mobile phone number. As soon as the member orders a book via mobile phone text message, Chen arranges delivery.
Each member can borrow up to three books at a time and they are to be returned within three months.
The library service is free and Chen says he is always looking to acquire more books.
"I try to save money so I can buy more books," Chen says. It costs me about 10,000 yuan (US$1,520) each semester to get new books. But I'm happy to serve the students since they also cherish the books and I haven't had any trouble (from people not returning them)."
The library's rules include no folding pages and no reading while eating.
Chen has also included reading activities such as book review sharing among members. Those who actively participate can be upgraded to gold members, who can borrow up to 10 books at a time.
More than 100 students have registered as members. Some students even hope to donate their own books to enrich the collection.
The founder loves books so much and has strong thoughts on the rise of digital books.
"Books should never be replaced by e-books," Chen says. "Each piece of paper gives you time to think. Having a book in your hands provides a much better reading experience compared to reading online."
Chen has been fortunate to receive support from peers, especially in terms of turning the dorm into a library.
Normally, a dorm holds four students. Luo Yang, an exchange student from Nanjing University, happened to have a dorm to himself.
He agreed to use the remaining space in his room for Chen's small library.
"Before, I stored my book collection in cases and cupboards in my own dorm. They were not displayed, but I could find any title quickly based on memory," Chen says. "Now, the books are displayed in rows according to categories."
Interestingly enough, Chen does not always finish reading each book he collects. Perhaps he has been influenced by the book "How to Really Talk about Books You Haven't Read" by Henry Hitchings, an author, reviewer and critic from Britain.
"I normally browse each book and only finish those catering to my tastes," Chen says.
"I hope the library can develop to a certain scale, have its own website, system and fixed volunteers to help," he adds.
Since the book worm has decided to pursue postgraduate studies at Fudan, there is the possibility Chen could spend another five years at the university and keep the library alive. By then, Chen hopes more students will join him and share books with others.
Hearing about Chen's library, Liu Yijia, a 21-year-old student from nearby Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, expresses interest in it.
"Chen's Tong Ren Tang is a pilot program. I hope students from other schools can also borrow books from it."
Ling Chen, 21, from Shanghai University, also supports the private library.
"I think it shows the owner's understanding of books and culture," Ling says. "A library, in whatever form, is like a friend. It's quiet and can provide a lot of information when I'm in need."
Chen Tianxiang loves reading and collecting books. The 22-year-old history major at Fudan University has now taken his hobby to a new level, opening the schools's first student-owned library.
The Tong Ren Tang library features mores than 3,000 books and they are showcased in three 10-square-meter dorms. They are neatly stored and sorted into categories. Most of the titles cover subjects such as history, culture, philosophy, economics and politics.
Chen says he started collecting the books in his freshman year at Fudan.
"I don't have high expectations about the library. I just hope those who also like reading can share more," he says.
The founder is proud his library provides a personal touch to book lending services to students, which is different from other libraries.
"Goodness knows how long it will take the university library to update new books and stock best sellers," Chen says. "Although my book collection obviously doesn't compare with the university library in volume, students can ask me for specific titles."
Chen's library even provides a delivery service. Each member receives an e-booklist after registering with their student ID, dorm room number and mobile phone number. As soon as the member orders a book via mobile phone text message, Chen arranges delivery.
Each member can borrow up to three books at a time and they are to be returned within three months.
The library service is free and Chen says he is always looking to acquire more books.
"I try to save money so I can buy more books," Chen says. It costs me about 10,000 yuan (US$1,520) each semester to get new books. But I'm happy to serve the students since they also cherish the books and I haven't had any trouble (from people not returning them)."
The library's rules include no folding pages and no reading while eating.
Chen has also included reading activities such as book review sharing among members. Those who actively participate can be upgraded to gold members, who can borrow up to 10 books at a time.
More than 100 students have registered as members. Some students even hope to donate their own books to enrich the collection.
The founder loves books so much and has strong thoughts on the rise of digital books.
"Books should never be replaced by e-books," Chen says. "Each piece of paper gives you time to think. Having a book in your hands provides a much better reading experience compared to reading online."
Chen has been fortunate to receive support from peers, especially in terms of turning the dorm into a library.
Normally, a dorm holds four students. Luo Yang, an exchange student from Nanjing University, happened to have a dorm to himself.
He agreed to use the remaining space in his room for Chen's small library.
"Before, I stored my book collection in cases and cupboards in my own dorm. They were not displayed, but I could find any title quickly based on memory," Chen says. "Now, the books are displayed in rows according to categories."
Interestingly enough, Chen does not always finish reading each book he collects. Perhaps he has been influenced by the book "How to Really Talk about Books You Haven't Read" by Henry Hitchings, an author, reviewer and critic from Britain.
"I normally browse each book and only finish those catering to my tastes," Chen says.
"I hope the library can develop to a certain scale, have its own website, system and fixed volunteers to help," he adds.
Since the book worm has decided to pursue postgraduate studies at Fudan, there is the possibility Chen could spend another five years at the university and keep the library alive. By then, Chen hopes more students will join him and share books with others.
Hearing about Chen's library, Liu Yijia, a 21-year-old student from nearby Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, expresses interest in it.
"Chen's Tong Ren Tang is a pilot program. I hope students from other schools can also borrow books from it."
Ling Chen, 21, from Shanghai University, also supports the private library.
"I think it shows the owner's understanding of books and culture," Ling says. "A library, in whatever form, is like a friend. It's quiet and can provide a lot of information when I'm in need."
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