The Hongxingzhong Road branch of the Yunhe Study in Rencheng district, Jining, and Ruanjiacun Library in Qufu were listed as one of the most beautiful urban libraries and one of the most beautiful rural libraries, respectively, in Shandong province's recently released list of 2022's most beautiful libraries.

Hongxingzhong Road branch of the Yunhe Study is located in the East Cultural Industry Park. Covering an area of 580 square meters, the study owns around 20,000 volumes of books and has 150 seats, four public reading rooms and three reading areas for children.

In addition to areas where people can read and write, there are also areas where cultural and creative products and soft drinks are sold.

Since its opening in May 2021, the study has hosted more than 70 reading activities and it is estimated that the study has received more than 50,000 visitors this year.

A picture of Hongxingzhong Road branch of the Yunhe Study. [Photo/Jining News]

With more than 800,000 yuan (about $110,000) invested, Ruanjiacun Library was erected as the first village level library with high standards in Qufu. Covering an area of more than 600 square meters, the library presently has 36,000 volumes of books that include Chinese classics, foreign masterpieces and tutorial books. 

To make reading popular in villages, the library has carried out a great number of activities, including book recommendations, speech contests and reading contests.

An interior view of Ruanjiacun Library. [Photo/Jining News]