Since the onset of summer, the number of visitors to the Xiangyang Library in Hubei Province has consistently increased, establishing it as a favored “check-in spot” for residents seeking relaxation and reading opportunities. Photo by Yang Dong, the Chief Journalist of the All-media, and Yan Li, the Correspondent

Peng Yiwei, the All-media Journalist, Yan Li, Tao Xin, and Wu Nan, the Correspondents, and Liu Huiying, the Intern

On summer days, infused with the fragrance of ink and the melodious chirping of cicadas, the Xiangyang Library in Hubei Province is quietly crafting a new chapter in urban reading. From an updated, exclusive bookshelf to immersive reading promotion activities, from insightful discussions led by experts and scholars to enthusiastic participation from ordinary readers, it serves as the “cultural lighthouse” to warmly invite citizens to read diversely and illuminate Xiangyang’s corners with the radiant light of reading.

The Exclusive Bookshelf Has Become a Novel Offering, Accompanied by Attentive Service That Touches the Hearts of Readers

As the primary arena for promoting reading, the subtle transformations within the Xiangyang Library have been keenly observed by readers. Over 8,000 new titles have been added to the shelves in the first-floor lobby, featuring a diverse array of selections including comic books, biographies, recommended readings by readers, local literature, and exclusive summer collections. This thoughtful arrangement facilitates easy access and classification for readers seeking to explore these offerings.

On August 17, in the lobby of the Xiangyang Library’s first floor, readers were deeply engaged in a vast ocean of knowledge. Some were seated on sofas, engrossed in their books, while others navigated between the shelves to select their preferred titles.

Taking advantage of the summer vacation, Grandpa Wang took his granddaughter Wenwen to the Xiangyang Library. Wenwen made a beeline for the exclusive comic bookshelf, while Grandpa Wang selected a book titled “The Rebellious” from the reader-recommended section. The changes in the lobby on the first floor were noticeable to both grandparents and grandchildren, filling their hearts with joy. “The newly established exclusive bookshelf is not only convenient but also thoughtfully curated, featuring categories that appeal to a wide range of readers. Our generation particularly cherished reading comic books during our youth; titles such as ‘Behind Enemy Lines,’ ‘To Get the Gun,’ and ‘To Win by Fire’ evoke fond memories of my childhood. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the library has introduced an exclusive shelf dedicated to comic books, showcasing beautiful illustrations and concise text that are especially suitable for children’s reading enjoyment.”

Netizen “Qianxia” enjoys reading literary works, and the exclusive bookshelf recommended by readers is a must-visit for her reading check-in. She states, “The books on this shelf are highly engaging and have been carefully curated by everyone. This time, I selected a book named ‘It’s Winter, and It’s Spring’ by Chi Zijian, a female Chinese writer.”

Vibrant and Diverse Forms Encourage Reading to “Come to Life”

From dormant bricks and stones to vibrant narratives of development, the reading promotion initiatives of the Xiangyang Library are transcending the confines of traditional literature and rendering reading a tangible experience.

On the afternoon of August 3, the reading promotion event titled “Exploring the Ancient Bricks with Children through Reading - A Special Exhibition of Rubbings from Xiangyang’s Ming and Qing Dynasty Ancient Architecture” was held at the Xiangyang Library. This event featured three main components: a physical display, an exhibition of rubbings, and a hands-on production experience. The aim is to enable the dormant bricks and stones to “speak,” sharing the rich stories of the Ancient City of Xiangyang.

In the exhibition hall, over a hundred brick rubbings gleamed with an enchanting luster under the spotlight. Young readers gathered around the displays, engaging with the historical essence of Xiangyang through their fingertips.

“This brick is inscribed with the words ‘Shanshan Guild Hall.’ In the past, merchants from Shanxi and Shaanxi traveled with mules and horses, transporting tea leaves, and they may have taken a rest beside this very brick,” remarked Li Jian, a folk collector from Xiangyang, as he held up a gray brick.

The subsequent production experience also attracted the participation of a group of young readers. A thin piece of paper was placed over the bricks and stones, and participants gently tapped it with a brush. After dipping the brush in ink, they carefully and evenly applied it to the paper... Observing the young readers fully engaged in this creative process, library staff promptly encouraged them to borrow books from the local literature section of the library: “There is a wealth of local documents that meticulously record Xiangyang’s historical changes, cultural heritage, and political economy. These resources are essential for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of Xiangyang.”

Reading promoters encompass poets, writers, folk collectors, and the parents of Olympic champions. On August 10, the reading promotion event titled “From the Diving Platform to Life - The Growth Path of an Olympic Champion” took place at the Xiangyang Library. Wang Yingfei, father of Paris Olympic diving champion Wang Zongyuan, engaged in a face-to-face discussion with over a hundred readers about the champion’s growth story and highlighted the pivotal role that books played in Wang Zongyuan’s development.

Wang Yingfei has recommended four books to readers: “How the Steel Was Tempered,” “A Self-Disciplined Life is Freer,” “How Talents are Created,” and ‘Meng Haoran.” These works not only contain successful principles that inspire Wang Zongyuan to strengthen his resolve and overcome challenges, but they also offer valuable insights for parents and secrets for fostering positive parent-child relationships.

From Reading Books to Lecturing Books, Promoting Reading Online and Offline

On August 19, the Storytelling Competition of the 6th Yangtze River Reading Festival (Hubei Section) was held. Contestants Zheng Mengxue and Jiang Yi from Xiangyang participated alongside storytellers from across Hubei Province, showcasing the unique charm of Xiangyang’s storytelling tradition.

In the Hubei section competition, Zheng Mengxue presented “The Smile of the Yangtze River: Notes on the Protection of the Chinese Yangtze River Finless Porpoise.” This book centers on the rescue of an injured finless porpoise named “Xiaojiangzi” by a young man, Hu Xiaochang. It intricately weaves together the ecological crisis facing the Yangtze River with the personal growth and transformation of youth, illustrating a poignant coexistence of resilience and human compassion within the framework of environmental protection.

“Reading independently, whether online or offline, presents two distinct experiences. Throughout the lecturing process, one must not only translate written language into spoken form but also convey the most vivid and poignant narratives from the book to others through storytelling,” stated Zheng Mengxue.

In addition to organizing this storytelling competition for numerous readers, the library also invites readers to record short videos aimed at promoting online reading through its video account.

As a senior member of the library, Lu Ling has actively engaged in reading promotion activities.

Lu Ling presented to readers not only the “The Rural Poetry Soul of Meng Haoran,” compiled by the Cultural, Historical and Learning Committee of the Xiangyang Municipal Political Consultative Conference, but also “Meng Haoran under the Microscope,” authored by poet Huo Junming.

Lu Ling stated, “In the process of promoting reading, I not only shared captivating excerpts from various books but also encouraged netizens to engage in ‘walking reading.’ One might take Meng Haoran’s poetry to Xiangyang for a stroll, immerse oneself in the profound meaning of ‘the vicissitudes of human affairs’ at Xianshou Pavilion, and experience the clarity embodied in the sentence of ‘in water clear the moon appears so high’ by the Hanshui River. This way, the landscapes and rural scenes depicted in literature can truly come to life.”