China's first 'emotion library' opens its doors to readers in Wuhan

China's first "emotion library" launched its trial operation in Wuhan, Hubei province, on Tuesday.

Located on the sixth floor of Hubei Provincial Library, the 350-square-meter space aims to provide readers with mental relaxation through enhanced visual and auditory experiences, organizers said.

For example, readers can touch a screen to choose their current emotions, and the computer will recommend a list of books. When facing the mirror, the camera can capture and recognize readers' facial expressions and emotions, and recommend suitable music. In another section, readers can sit on soft chairs, put on earphones and listen to ebooks.

They can also record their emotions with words or paintings on paper and put them into boxes, press their ears against the speakers on a wall to listen to the sounds of nature, such as plants growing and streams flowing. They can also lie down in the "Alpha wave chair" and relax their body and mind under the gentle massage of music with specific frequencies.

There is also an art gallery featuring a dynamic painting video wall. An interactive system helps readers analyze their dreams.

Shong Chongsheng, a sociology expert at Wuhan University, told chinanews.com that the "emotion library" goes beyond the traditional function.

By integrating reading therapy and psychological relaxation into public spaces, it represents an innovative practice of public cultural services that meets the needs of the times, Shang said.