Guangzhou Library, Public library in Zhujiang New Town, China.
Guangzhou Library is a public library in the Zhujiang New Town district, situated on the bank of the Pearl River. The building consists of two curved volumes that resemble open books when seen from outside, with multiple floors housing reading halls, computer areas, and collections in many formats.
The library was founded in 1933 as the municipal library of Guangzhou and took its current name in 1982. The present building on the Pearl River waterfront opened in 2013, replacing the earlier and much smaller premises of the institution.
The library sits on the Pearl River waterfront and draws people who come to read, study, or simply enjoy the view over the water. Children, students, and older visitors share the same open spaces in a way that feels natural and unhurried.
The library is in a well-connected part of Guangzhou and is easy to reach by metro. Those who want to borrow books need a local library card, but the reading and study areas are open to any visitor without registration.
The shape of the building, which resembles two open books, was the result of an international architecture competition won by a Japanese firm. Having a foreign studio design a civic building of this scale in China is relatively uncommon, which makes the choice stand out.
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