The first Hehe E-book Bar in Taizhou. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

In Zhejiang province, a proactive expansion of public cultural services coverage and the advancement of new public cultural spaces have been notable trends in recent years.

One significant focus has been on the development of "reading stations", a key interest of Mao Xu, a member of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the director of the Taizhou Library.

As integrated platforms for reading, communication, activities, leisure, and experiences, the reading stations aim to provide convenient and high-quality public cultural services right within communities, explained Mao. 

These stations often repurpose underutilized spaces in public venues, tourist sites, banks, transportation hubs, and commercial complexes to offer reading and community services with no barriers to access. Unlike traditional urban libraries, reading stations are more agile in size and location selection, adapting to the needs of the local population, said Mao.

Successful examples are already visible in Zhejiang, such as the Hehe E-book Bars in Taizhou. These 24-hour smart bookcases are linked to libraries and can be found in hospitals, parks, transportation hubs, and banks to cater to a wider audience.

To further enhance these efforts, Mao suggests exploring integrated management models, expanding service offerings, and encouraging social participation in the operation. By tailoring these stations to local demographics and focusing on digital technology, the aim is to bolster reading service capabilities and foster shared cultural development.