Guangzhou Library, a landmark cultural institution in Southern China, serves as a vital hub for knowledge dissemination and community engagement. Located in the heart of Guangzhou’s Zhujiang New Town, this modern library offers extensive resources and services to both local and international visitors. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of everything you need to know, from planning your visit to exploring its unique collections and services.
Introduction to Guangzhou Library
Guangzhou Library is a large-scale public library that officially opened to the public in 2013. It is designed to be a “city living room” for reading, learning, and cultural exchange. The library covers a total area of approximately 98,000 square meters, making it one of the largest public libraries in China. Its architectural design is modern and open, featuring natural light and spacious reading areas to create a comfortable environment for all users.
The library’s mission is to provide free and equitable access to information, promote lifelong learning, and support the cultural and educational needs of the community. It holds a collection of over 4 million items, including books, e-resources, newspapers, magazines, and multimedia materials. The library is divided into several functional zones, each catering to different age groups and interests, from children’s areas to specialized research sections.
For international visitors, the library offers English-language resources, multilingual signage, and staff who can assist in English. Whether you are a tourist, a student, or a resident, Guangzhou Library is an excellent place to immerse yourself in local culture while accessing global knowledge.
How to Reserve and Enter the Library
Planning your visit to Guangzhou Library is straightforward, but it’s essential to understand the reservation and entry process to ensure a smooth experience. The library operates on a reservation system to manage visitor flow, especially during peak times like weekends and holidays.
Step-by-Step Reservation Process
Choose Your Reservation Method: You can reserve a visit slot through the library’s official website, mobile app, or WeChat mini-program. The official website is http://www.gzlib.org.cn, and the WeChat mini-program is called “广州图书馆” (Guangzhou Library). For English users, the website has an English version available by selecting the language option at the top of the page.
Register an Account: If you are a first-time user, you need to register. Click on “Register” or “Login” and provide your phone number (Chinese or international) or email address. For international visitors, you can use your passport number for registration. Once registered, you will receive a verification code via SMS or email.
Make a Reservation:
- Log in to your account.
- Select “Reservation” or “Visit Booking” from the menu.
- Choose the date and time slot. The library is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekends, with some sections closing earlier. Note that the library is closed on Mondays (except for public holidays).
- Select the number of visitors (up to 5 per reservation for individuals; group reservations are available for more).
- Confirm your reservation. You will receive a QR code or reservation number via email or app notification.
Special Notes for International Visitors:
- If you don’t have a Chinese phone number, you can use email registration.
- For entry, bring your passport or ID used during registration.
- During low-traffic periods, walk-in reservations might be possible, but it’s highly recommended to book in advance, especially for weekends.
Entry Procedure
Upon arrival at the library (address: No. 91, Linhe West Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou), proceed to the main entrance on the north side of the building.
Security Check: All visitors must go through a security screening, similar to airport checks. Bags are scanned, and large items may need to be stored in lockers available at the entrance (free for the first 2 hours).
QR Code Scan or ID Verification: At the turnstiles, scan your reservation QR code from the app or website, or present your reservation number along with your ID/passport. Staff are available to assist if you encounter issues.
Receive Your Library Card: Once inside, you can obtain a temporary library card by registering at the service desk on the first floor. This card allows you to borrow books and access certain services. For short-term visitors, a day pass is available without full registration.
COVID-19 or Health Protocols (if applicable): Although restrictions have eased, it’s advisable to check the latest health guidelines on the library’s website before visiting. Temperature checks and health code scans (e.g., Guangzhou Health Code) might be required during certain periods.
Example: Imagine you are a tourist visiting on a Saturday. You reserve a slot for 10:00 AM via the WeChat mini-program two days in advance. On the day, you arrive at 9:50 AM, go through security, scan your QR code, and enter the library within 5 minutes. If you forget to reserve, you might wait in line for an available slot, but it’s not guaranteed.
Navigating the Library: Layout and Facilities
Once inside, the library’s layout is intuitive but vast, so understanding the zones will help you make the most of your time. The building has 8 floors above ground and 2 below, with clear signage in Chinese and English.
Key Areas by Floor
Ground Floor (1F): Main entrance, information desk, cloakroom, and café. This is where you pick up your temporary card and get general assistance. The café offers coffee and light snacks, open from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
Second Floor (2F): Children’s Zone and Teen Area. Features interactive reading spaces, storytime sessions, and a large collection of children’s books in multiple languages, including English. There’s also a digital learning area with computers for kids.
Third Floor (3F): General Reading Area for Adults. This includes fiction, non-fiction, and magazines. The section has comfortable seating and study desks. English books are concentrated here, with over 50,000 volumes in foreign languages.
Fourth Floor (4F): Specialized Collections and Reference Area. Houses topics like history, art, and science. This floor includes the “Guangzhou Local History” section, which is a highlight for researchers.
Fifth Floor (5F): Multimedia and Digital Resources. Access to e-books, audiobooks, and online databases. You can use library computers or connect to free Wi-Fi (network: GZLIB-PUBLIC, no password). There’s also a video viewing room.
Sixth Floor (6F): Foreign Languages and International Exchange. This is the go-to spot for English materials, including novels, academic books, and newspapers from abroad. It also hosts cultural exchange events.
Seventh Floor (7F): Study Rooms and Meeting Spaces. Bookable rooms for group study or quiet work. Reservations can be made via the app.
Basement (B1/B2): Storage, archives, and some technical areas not open to the public.
Facilities include free Wi-Fi throughout, charging stations, accessible restrooms, and elevators. For families, there are stroller-friendly ramps and baby-changing facilities.
Special Collections and Services
Guangzhou Library stands out for its unique collections and innovative services, which blend local heritage with global resources.
Special Collections
Guangzhou Local History and Culture Collection: Located on the 4th floor, this collection includes rare books, maps, and documents related to Guangzhou’s 2,200-year history. Examples: Original Qing Dynasty gazetteers and photo albums of the Canton Trade era. Access requires a full library card, but viewing is allowed on-site.
Foreign Language Collection: On the 6th floor, it features over 100,000 items in English, Japanese, French, and more. Highlights include bestsellers like “The Three-Body Problem” in English translation and international magazines like National Geographic. A dedicated “English Corner” hosts weekly discussion groups.
Digital and E-Resources: The library provides access to databases like CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and overseas platforms via partnerships. For example, you can download e-books via the “OverDrive” app integration for English audiobooks.
Children’s Interactive Collection: On the 2nd floor, includes augmented reality (AR) books where kids can scan pages to see 3D models, such as dinosaurs or historical figures.
Key Services
Borrowing and Returning: With a library card, you can borrow up to 10 items for 30 days (renewable). Self-service machines on each floor make it easy—just scan your card and the book’s barcode. Returns are via drop boxes or machines.
Interlibrary Loans: If a book isn’t available, request it from other libraries in Guangdong province. Process: Log in to your account, search the catalog, and submit a request. Delivery takes 3-7 days, and it’s free.
Events and Workshops: The library hosts over 1,000 events annually, such as author talks, English storytime for kids, and coding workshops. Check the events calendar on the website. Example: A monthly “Global Film Night” on the 5th floor, showing English-subtitled movies.
Assistive Services: For visually impaired users, there’s a Braille collection and audio books. Wheelchair access is available on all floors via elevators.
Research Support: Librarians offer free consultations for academic or personal research. For international visitors, they can help with English resources on topics like Guangzhou’s economy or tourism.
Example of Using a Service: Suppose you’re researching Guangzhou’s role in the Silk Road. Visit the 4th floor, request the “Maritime Silk Road” collection via the catalog, and consult a librarian. They might guide you to digital scans of ancient trade records, which you can view on a library tablet.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds. Avoid public holidays if possible.
- What to Bring: ID, phone for QR code, and a water bottle (fountains available). No food in reading areas, but the café is an option.
- Language Support: Download the library app for English interface. Staff at the information desk speak basic English.
- Cost: All services are free, but borrowing requires a card deposit (50 RMB refundable).
- Contact: For questions, call +86-20-8383-6666 or email info@gzlib.org.cn.
By following this guide, you’ll have a fulfilling experience at Guangzhou Library. It’s not just a place for books—it’s a gateway to understanding Guangzhou’s vibrant culture and connecting with the world. If you have specific questions about your visit, feel free to ask!