What is it about?

The Beibei Public Library (1928–1950) dedicated itself to social education in the rural areas of Chongqing. This library is investigated in terms of three aspects: indoor service, itinerant libraries, and additional services. This study examines how librarians catered to peasants’ needs, promoted knowledge dissemination, and helped mold new lifestyles in rural China.

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Why is it important?

The first half of the 20th century saw the start and fast development of modern public libraries in China, and libraries played an important role in rural education and in shaping modern spirit . The Beibei Public Library stands out prominently among these rural libraries.

Perspectives

Rural libraries and rural reading in China in the first half of the 20th century are interesting but barely touched topics. I hope this study will provoke more study on the topic.

Jiale Ren
Chengdu University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Educating Peasants: the Beibei Public Library in Light of Chinese Rural Reconstruction, 1928–1950, Libri, May 2019, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1515/libri-2018-0047.
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