Libraries now offer students far more than books

Demanding jobs

Liu Gege, a third-year student studying pharmaceutical analysis at Guangdong Medical University, has been a regular visitor to the institution's library since her first year. She studies amid the peaceful atmosphere and has read a large number of books.

"I don't know why, but sometimes I feel restless and lost at home, just wanting to lie in bed and browse my phone. Time passes quickly, making me more anxious, but when I go to the library, I know I'm there to study," Liu said. "I want a quiet environment for my studies, and the library allows me to better immerse myself in my work."

She usually visits the library three to four times a week for three to five hours.

Liu studies, improves her vocabulary, reviews recent work and study progress, and plans her short-term and long-term goals. A lifestyle blogger, she sometimes takes photos of herself studying there, sharing them on the Xiaohongshu lifestyle platform and encouraging her followers to work hard together.

"I believe that regardless of development in society, the most important thing is to have a clear sense of direction. No matter what we do, books are essentials that offer guidance, provide emotional value, and offer learning techniques," Liu said.

A report in March released by the Mashang Consumer Research Institute on young people's consumption intentions this year found that housing comprises the biggest proportion of their spending, accounting for 23.21 percent, followed closely by work and study expenses, at nearly 17 percent.

The institute, which is based in Chongqing, said the statistics show that young people are more willing than others to invest in self-improvement.

Liu said: "Many job positions and educational requirements are becoming increasingly demanding, and it's clear that having professional knowledge alone is not sufficient. Other aspects, such as social skills, emotional control and personal cognition, are not covered in the classroom, so going to the library to read books is an important way to acquire such knowledge,"

She said she will continue visiting libraries for self-improvement, achieving goals and broadening her perspective by conscientiously organizing her work and studies, as she doesn't want to lose her passion for life while she is still young.