Century-old library keeps pace with time

Self-service borrowing and returning book machines available in the Haining Library. [Photo by Bi Nan/chinadaily.com.cn]

Aside from the main building, the library has three 24-hour self-service libraries, as well as nine book stations, 10 mobile libraries and an automobile library which travels around Haining city.

With the services available, members of the library are able to access books at any hour in the 24-hour self-service library by swiping their ID or library cards. So far, more than 2,300 volumes of books, covering all categories can be read either inside the self-service library or at their residential premises by borrowing from the automated machines. Members also have access to a machine for reading electronic books inside the library, and can scan the QR code to download or read books online.

Building a "reading city" has always been on the agenda for Haining, as the city has a long history, and brilliant culture since ancient times. Many celebrities were also born in Haining, which include poet Xu Zhimo, scholar Wang Guowei and novelist Jin Yong. Moreover, there are many historical sites in the city, which include the classical palatial architecture Sea God Temple.