Previously, Tibet only has three public libraries, namely Tibet Library, Chamdo Library and Nyingchi Library. During the 12th Five Year Plan period, the three libraries all have reconstruction and expansion. What's more, Lhoka, Ngaqu and Shigatse gain funds to build libraries, too. At present, the Tibet Library, Chamdo Library, Nyingchi Library and Lhoka Library are all open to readers.

 

Tenzin Droma, associate librarian of Tibet Library, introduces that to realize the full coverage of library service, Tibet Library tries to broaden the radiating surface by exploring service modes such as main-branch library, library service points, mobile library cars and so on. Now the existing library service points are involved in various regions such as campuses, prisons, communities, police stations, barracks, temples, restaurants and so on. Up to now, 170 library service points have been built in Tibet.

 

 

"Public library has no threshold. Regardless of geography and race, everyone has the freedom and right of enjoying reading. Therefore, there are reading rooms for people with visual disabilities, children's reading rooms and so on. Apart from that, library service points are set up not only in communities and campuses, but also in prisons,” says Tenzin Droma. To enrich the spiritual life of prison inmates and provide better public cultural service, Tibet Library enrolls selected books on encouragement, policy and skill training into service points in prisons.

 

At the same time, 300 to 500 volumes of books are provided by library service points for communities that are easy to carry out reading activities and with clustered people. To enrich book types, books are exchanged between service points in accordance with actual reading conditions. Through carrying out a series of reading activities, it aims to stimulate people's interest in reading and let people enjoy the the fun of literary works. It is said that community service points will become an important place for people to learn science and technology knowledge and cultivate their tastes. In addition, it can also make contributions to creating the profound cultural atmosphere and let people like reading.

 

With the improvement of reading habit and the increasing of reading requirements, more and more people begin to read in libraries. Tenzin Droma says, “five year ago, there are only 25000 readers. After the reconstruction and expansion, the number of readers has break through 30000.”

 

In terms of the next planning of the full coverage of library service, Tenzin Droma says, “Library reading is an important part of public culture construction. To let more farmers and herdsmen enjoy the public culture service, some video resources are translated into Tibetan language. To meet the needs of all-weather reading, libraries try the best to overcome difficulties.”

By: Zhi Xinghua