Chongqing - In the shade of trees, elderly villagers sip tea while nearby children read and write in a small hall. This scene is typical on weekends and holidays at the “Shouyi” Library in Milan Village, Longfeng Town, Hechuan District, Chongqing. Opened in 2002, this 40-square-meter library has become a beloved spot for local residents to gather and learn.
The library’s founder, Wang Zhilun, has quietly nurtured this community space for over two decades. As children find joy in books and local farmers seek knowledge, the library reflects his lifelong love for reading.
Wang Zhilun (third from left) talks with young people. (Photo/Hechuan District)
A childhood dream realized
Born in 1954, Wang grew up in a low-income family that couldn’t afford schooling. Despite this, he developed a passion for reading from his elders, eagerly awaiting evenings when he could read by the glow of a kerosene lamp. The limitations only fueled his admiration for those who could access books freely.
Years later, a comment from his city-dwelling cousin, who found reading in the village inconvenient, sparked an idea. Wang decided to create a library for the villagers. Starting with a simple bookshelf of old books, he envisioned a place where others could read without barriers.
Despite skepticism from his family, he secured support from local officials and constructed a small hall on his property to house the library. Gathering books was another obstacle, as the village’s remote location required books to be carried from the nearby town. Naming the library “Shouyi” after his grandfather, who first inspired his love of reading, Wang opened the doors with 2,000 donated books.
A community hub
The library officially opened on March 13, 2002. Initially, no one came, but soon, children arrived after school to do homework and read picture books. Middle schoolers followed, particularly on weekends, choosing literature and science books for leisure and study.
As more people visited, including farmers interested in agricultural guides, the library’s role in the community grew. Wang’s dream was becoming a reality. Over the years, he has used donations and his own funds to expand the collection, which now boasts over 15,000 books across diverse genres. Thanks to donations from residents and organizations, the library has sections for children’s books, technology, literature, and more.
A doorway to opportunity
The “Shouyi” Library represents a bridge to the broader world. Wang’s wife, Zhao Yixiu, who initially hesitated, now supports his efforts. They open the library early daily, preparing hot tea and welcoming readers.
The library has had a profound impact on the village. Wang Liangying, one of its first visitors, became the village’s first college graduate and now teaches English locally, inspiring the next generation. Wang Dian, another regular, credits the library with fueling his ambition. After graduation, he returned to open a small factory, bringing newfound opportunities to the community.
For Wang Zhilun, the library represents his life’s purpose. Over the past 22 years, many village children have gone on to higher education, while former visitors regularly return to express their gratitude. Wang reflects on the fulfillment he has found in bringing books to his village.
“I will keep this library running as long as I can,” says Wang, now 70, with quiet determination. His modest library has become a lasting legacy, blending his love for reading with a mission to inspire and educate his community.
(Bai Zhiyu and Liu Xinwu, reporters from People's Daily, contributed the Chinese version of this report.)