Pages of history

More projects are being planned to provide a series of systematic lessons and workshops to anyone with an interest in classical texts. The lessons are likely to focus on the representative classical texts, such as the Confucian Four Books and Five Classics, or those highlighting Suzhou local culture.

"We hope to establish the library into a rounded platform that incorporates the functions of libraries, museums and archives. We will work in the aspects of ancient book protection, including collection, exhibition, restoration, research, digitalization and exchange, with a focus on popularizing China's excellent traditional culture to the public," Sun says.

Zhang Zhiqing, deputy director of the National Center for Preservation and Conservation of Ancient Books, says Suzhou has set a fine example for the preservation of ancient books in prefecture-level cities.

This has to do with the favorable historical background of the region, he says. "Suzhou and its neighboring areas have historically been a hub of collectors, especially in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties, who collected a large quantity of books, including the precious editions and those with handwritten annotations by historical figures."