Chinanews.com, Changzhi, May 28th, title: The 60-year-old old man opened a library of nearly 10,000 books to witness the changes in the southeast of Shanxi
Author Wu Qiong Li Zhuohua
"Collecting documents and materials in the southeast of Shanxi can not only preserve local historical memory, but also promote cultural exchanges and inherit local culture through cultural gatherings." On the 28th, 61-year-old bibliophile Li Haiquan showed reporters the local documents he had collected over the past 10 years. data.
Literary works, local historical chronicles, drama scripts, academic treatises... There is a collection of literature and materials in the southeast of Shanxi in Luzhou District, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province. The dazzling collection of books, various calligraphy and painting attract readers to watch.
Li Haiquan has loved reading since he was a child. Books were his most important "playmate" in his childhood. It has become a habit for him to carry books with him for many years. Slowly, Li Haiquan's hobby of reading spreads around him.
Li Haiquan’s collection of books began in 2011.
"At that time, a writer in Changzhi gave me two books with signatures. I think they are very precious, so I collected them." Li Haiquan told reporters that some literati friends around him would also donate books to him. "They are all works by Changzhi authors. I just wanted to get together and began to consciously collect Changzhi literature and materials." With more and more books, his collection expanded from Changzhi City to the southeastern part of Shanxi.
Literary works, local historical records, drama scripts... Luzhou District, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, has a collection of literature and materials in Southeast Shanxi.
Photo courtesy of Rong Media Center, Luzhou District
In order to collect more books, he used various methods, buying online, looking for friends to ask for it, and going to the book stalls in Chenghuang Temple every Sunday to "purchase"... "Later, everyone knew that I received books, and many friends would take the initiative to give them to me book".
From two books to nearly 10,000 books, from a row of bookshelves to several bookcases, there are more and more books, Li Haiquan has the idea of opening a library.
In October 2019, his library opened as desired and opened to the public for free. Since its opening, it has attracted thousands of reading enthusiasts.
Nowadays, it has become a place for many literary friends to read, drink tea, and hold cultural activities, and become a window to understand the economy, culture, customs, etc. of the Southeastern Shanxi region.
"I want to make these books'live' and give full play to the value of good books." Li Haiquan said, not only limited to his own collection, he hopes to provide information for everyone so that more people can access the information and inherit local culture.
"Next, I would like to hold more activities, exhibitions, small literary salons, and seminars to make the library active." Li Haiquan said, hoping that the library can become a base for cultural exchanges among everyone, and do his own meager efforts to provide readers with more information. Down-to-earth cultural resources. (Finish)