A year of enlightenment: Celebrating the 1st anniversary of ZJU’s main library

“One of my favorite places to study!”  

“An integral part of my life.”  

“The deepest affection and admiration...”  

On January 20, 2024, the main library of Zhejiang University was officially opened. Over the past year, this new campus landmark has become a vibrant cultural icon of Zhejiang University. Today, we invite you to discover the treasures that make this library an experience unlike any other.

Since its grand opening, the main library has welcomed approximately 3.55 million visits. With nearly 1.41 million books circulated, about 178,000 volumes borrowed, and 7,342 books checked out through the Cloud Reading app, the library has quickly positioned itself as a hub of intellectual activity. In the 2024 ShanghaiRanking survey on student satisfaction in Chinese universities, Zhejiang University's library ranked first among the Project 985 universities for its library resource support, earning widespread praise from faculty and students alike.

One of the library’s greatest achievements has been its seamless integration of paper and digital resources. The Qiushi Book Recommendation platform, a digital bookshelf brimming with knowledge, now offers access to nearly 3 million electronic books. To further enrich the academic experience, the library has introduced on-demand printing and delivery services for foreign books, making it easier than ever for faculty and students to access the texts they need.

“The library covers the cost of books chosen by faculty and students,” said Professor CHEN Hongmin from the School of History. “We cannot help but applaud the main library for its generous support of our research endeavors.”  

The main library is not only a place for study but also a sanctuary for quiet reflection. Designed to nurture both academic pursuits and personal contemplation, it offers a space that encourages self-discovery and deep thought.

“During my 300 days in preparation for the National Graduate Entrance Exam, I spent nearly half of that time here,” recalled one student. “I am grateful to the main library for being a place that welcomed me even into the late hours, offering a harbor for every candidate. I completed my postgraduate exam, and though it was far from perfect, I carry no regrets.”

With features such as intelligent reading desks, semi-enclosed reading tables, and reading chairs with “silent shoes,” the high-quality reading environment continuously elevates the reading experience for its users.

On May 29, 2024, the university unveiled its Future Library, a groundbreaking concept poised to redefine what a library can be. The library is venturing into the future by blending digital technology, multimedia, and art, creating a space that seamlessly merges the physical and the digital. This bold vision will serve as the foundation for a new era of learning and exploration.

To complement this, the library has introduced a human-machine collaborative smart management system, optimizing resources, space, and services. From space reservations and event bookings to robot-assisted visual inventory checks and bookshelf screen book queries, every aspect is meticulously designed to enhance efficiency. An alumni reservation module for library access is just one of the many innovations that streamline the library experience.

Equipped with a comprehensive release system and various display devices, including 24-hour return machines, self-service borrowing and returning stations, reservation lockers, self-printing and copying machines, and self-scanners, the library ensures that borrowing and reading are as convenient and efficient as possible.The library also boasts a media workshop, a vibrant hub used over 100 times annually, where faculty and students can live-stream thesis defenses, record music, create podcasts, and host recitals. This space provides users with access to the latest in new media technology, expanding opportunities for creative expression and academic communication.

The Future Space X-Lab has emerged as a dynamic center for innovation. Here, cutting-edge technology, intelligent learning resources, and experimental activities meet. The lab is integrated deeply with teaching and research, offering XR course designs and VR experimental subjects to bring innovation to space and resources.

“Opening the door to X-Lab felt like stepping into a world where the real and virtual blend into one,” said LIAN Weitong, a sophomore from Qiushi College. “What once existed in the realm of imagination is now vividly real, right before my eyes.”

Through a series of well-curated events such as the Zijingang Reading Forum, the ‘Sharing My Book’ Session, the ‘Writers at ZJU’ lecture series and the Qiuzhi Book Club, the library fosters a rich scholarly culture, inviting experts, authors, and peers to come together and celebrate the art of reading.

These events spread the love for literature and learning throughout campus. In the past year, the library has organized 68 lectures as part of the Seeking Truth Hour, held 33 orientation sessions for newcomers, and hosted 146 cultural events — setting a new benchmark in the university’s history.

Furthering its commitment to innovation, the library has developed a Digital Humanities Space, where interdisciplinary collaboration thrives. One such workshop, Food, Clothing, Housing, and Transportation in Ancient Chinese Paintings: A Digital Humanities Workshop, offers a glimpse into how technology can illuminate cultural practices. This initiative not only pioneers new models of cultural education but also provides a platform for students and faculty to explore new, creative approaches to the humanities.

“Ancient paintings present history in its most vivid and captivating form. Through the Digital Humanities Workshop, I gained new insights into historical research and felt the allure of digital humanities through its interdisciplinary connections,” said LI Aoxue, a doctoral candidate from the School of History.

The library’s commitment to fostering a love of reading extends beyond the classroom. The ‘Book in My Heart’ Exhibition encourages students to become advocates for reading, expanding their learning spaces and enriching their personal growth.

“When I finish a book and close its pages, a cascade of thoughts fills my mind,” shared DANG Zixiang, a freshman from the Chu Kochen Honors College. “Events like the book exhibition allow me to share my passion for books and relate to like-minded peers. It’s a conversation between kindred spirits.”

Perhaps the most poetic touch in the library’s study areas are the desk lamps, bearing witness to Zhejiang University’s cultural legacy. Bronze-colored lamp bases are inscribed with heartfelt messages from alumni, offering their best wishes to both their alma mater and future students. “Different people meet at the same place, at different times — this is what alumni means,” said LUO Dehui, Executive Vice President of the Zhejiang University Alumni Association in Sichuan. “Through these lamps, our bond with the university grows ever stronger.”  

With every light that shines, the legacy of Zhejiang University spreads beyond campus borders, carrying with it the scent of books and the promise of shared knowledge, enriching lives far and wide.

Adapted and translated from the article written by WU Wenbo, ZHANG Shufan               

Translator: FANG Fumin

Photo: Zhejiang University Library   

Editor: TIAN Minjie