Shanghai Children's Library sees readership rise with expansion

Children and their parents from more than 40 countries have visited the two outlets of Shanghai Children's Library in the two years ago when the facility began dual-site operation, the library said on Tuesday.

More than 9 million books have been taken out by 1.3 million readers, and more than 4.6 million individuals have participated in nearly 1,700 events in the two years. Meanwhile, digital resources have been downloaded and viewed 8 million times, it added.

There has been a great improvement in the figures since the opening of the new Changfeng outlet, said the library.

Shanghai Children's Library first opened its gate in 1941 and was relocated as Nanxi branch to West Nanjing Road in Jing'an district in 1958. It opened its Changfeng branch on West Guangfu Road in Putuo district on July 19, 2022, marking the beginning of dual-site service.

With its attractive aesthetics, efficiency, and emphasis on experience, the library said that its two outlets have become beloved institutions for young readers and families.

The library has developed an extensive reading service system of "Honey Treasure" that offers both online and offline reading services, such as Honey Treasure Cloud Study Room, offline Honey Treasure Study Rooms, Honey Treasure Book Stations, and Honey Treasure Book Truck services.

Highlighting the library's summer calendar this year is the "Read & Encounter" Shanghai Fairy Tale Festival, which features various reading activities, including lectures, exhibitions, art classes, and volunteer programs. Collaborations with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra's "Wonton Wrapper Family Art Festival" and science workshops further enrich the library's offerings.

The library's efforts to bring high-quality children's reading services to grassroots levels have been widely praised by visitors for its vast collection, comfortable environment, and educational values.

"The establishment of such venues really adds value to children's life and makes the city more child friendly. I hope that more such child-friendly facilities can be added in neighborhoods," said a netizen Nayan.

Wang Biye contributed to this story.