“Books are keys to wisdom.” Has anyone ever told you that? Now, turn your gaze to a place where countless keys await: Shenzhen Library. It stands as a beacon of knowledge.
Shenzhen Library began its journey as Bao’an County Library. That was back in 1986. It was among the city’s first cultural facilities. The library moved to its current central location in 2006. It sits gracefully in front of Lianhua Mountain.
Covering almost 30,000 square meters, Shenzhen Library boasts a construction area of nearly 50,000 square meters. Its collection is vast. It holds almost 12 million documents, both paper and digital. This makes it a treasure trove for researchers and casual readers alike.
Shenzhen Library isn’t just one building. It’s a network. Over 200 self-service libraries dot the urban landscape. Several branches and “youth reading bases” extend its reach. Around 4.5 million readers visit each year. The library lends nearly 5 million items annually.
Shenzhen Library embraces technology. It was the first in China to champion open, equal, and free services. It pioneered the use of radio frequency identification technology. The library developed its automation system. This system leads the way for 24-hour self-help libraries.
Shenzhen Library also has a North Hall. This hall opened in 2023. It is located in Longhua District. The North Hall spans 72,000 square meters. It can house 8 million books.
The North Hall also features an underground book storage. It is an intelligent system. Robotic arms retrieve books. The storage is 18 meters deep. It can hold over 4 million books.
Shenzhen Library does more than lend books. It creates cultural spaces. There is a South Study and a lecture hall. A maker space encourages innovation. A book donation center promotes sharing. An all-media studio supports creativity.
The library hosts nearly 2,000 reading promotion activities each year. These include the “Shenzhen Scholars South Study Night Talk” and the “Humanities Forum”. In 2013, UNESCO recognized Shenzhen as a “Global Model City for Universal Reading”. This acknowledged Shenzhen Library’s pivotal role.
Shenzhen Library is more than a building filled with books. It’s a dynamic hub. It fosters learning, culture, and community. As you stand here, consider the countless stories within its walls. Think of the knowledge waiting to be discovered. It is here that the past, present, and future converge. All thanks to the power of reading.