Haining Library, Public library in Haining, China
Haining Library is a multi-story building in the city of Haining featuring reading rooms, digital facilities, and space to accommodate a large book collection. The main structure displays two horizontal forms designed to resemble open books, with different reading areas connected throughout.
The building was founded in 1904 and was the first library at the county level in China. This establishment during the Qing Dynasty marked the start of modern public library services in the region.
The library runs two long-term reading programmes: Chaoyue for adults and Xingyue for children, together covering more than 20 promotional services. Its Ziw ei lecture series anchors a chain of public talks, and the children's reading plan is organised with kindergartens, schools, neighbourhood committees and families.
The system operates multiple branches throughout the city and remains open continuously year-round for visitors. Self-service machines allow visitors to borrow materials without waiting in line at a counter.
The architect Wang Wei first won the 2009 competition with a more exaggerated design, then scrapped it himself because it was too hard to build and submitted ten alternatives. The new building opened on New Year's Day 2015, cost 135 million yuan and covers 19,900 square metres.
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