Tai'an makes reading easier for public

Tai'an city in Shandong province is trying something new with its "Reading Room+" model to promote a citywide culture of reading.

With 62 urban and rural reading rooms and over 3,500 village libraries now in place, the city has created a 15-minute access network for public reading services, making cultural resources within reach of all residents.

A great example is the Mountain Reading Room in the Jiunyufeng Scenic Area, whose cloud-shaped design has gone viral online and earned the title of "Shandong's most beautiful reading room".

Local governments are integrating reading rooms with regional features through models such as "Reading Room + District", "Reading Room + Agency", and "Reading Room + Station".

Under the "Reading Room + District" model, each district has developed its own distinctive space: a 24-hour reading room in Xintai district, a hybrid bookstore-library in Feicheng district, and the community-based "Yuedugang" space in Ningyang district.

The "Reading Room + Agency" model brings together the resources of agencies like the Communist Youth League, the Education Bureau, and the Women's Federation to create multifunctional reading spaces, such as those combined with after-school programs or village convenience stores.

The "Reading Room + Station" model features indoor reading rooms and outdoor reading stations in public parks and plazas.

To further enrich its reading culture, Tai'an has brought together governments, enterprises, and media agencies to organize regular reading events and campaigns. From curated content in local media to weekly public reading sessions, the initiative is shaping a vibrant, accessible reading culture for all.

Tai'an city in Shandong province tries something new with its "Reading Room+" model to promote a citywide culture of reading. [Photo/WeChat account: SDTXTA]