Amid the spring breeze, the encounter with the written word promises a delightful journey. On April 18, Wuxi launched its "Public Reading Week" and the 19th Taihu Reading Month at Nanquan Old Street, initiating a series of cultural activities. Today, the boundaries of traditional reading spaces are continuously expanding, with the aroma of books integrating into daily life, cultural tourism settings, and transportation hubs—offering immersive, convenient, and comfortable reading experiences.
With the implementation of the "Public Reading Promotion Regulations" and the arrival of the first "Public Reading Week," the development of "Scholarly Wuxi," under the theme "Inheriting Culture Through Books, Embarking on a New Journey Together," has entered a new phase empowered by digital intelligence. The city has transformed into a "grand study," making reading easily accessible.
Throughout Wuxi, numerous "Bell Studies" are scattered like stars, thematic branches have evolved into quality public cultural spaces, over 800 rural libraries continue to enhance their appeal, and distinctive independent bookstores with unique stories and aesthetics are proliferating. Even strolls along the canal can begin an immersive audiobook journey. In Wuxi, a "15-minute reading circle" has been established, where reading is deeply woven into the urban fabric, turning the city into a vast library.
This year, Jiangsu Province will advance the "Hundred-Step Fragrant Grass" initiative to upgrade urban "cultural living rooms," with Wuxi Xinhua Bookstore, Yuntai Bookhouse, and Yixing Ceramics Bookstore participating. The initiative aims to transform bookstores into upgraded spaces offering quality cultural products and experiences within easy reach of residents. Wuxi Xinhua Bookstore has previously sought partners for pop-up stores to create lifestyle hubs, creative shops, and artistic spaces, continuously optimizing reading environments and extending services.
Centered on the "Bell Study" brand, Wuxi links a four-tier public library system with social reading spaces, creating a dense network for public reading. These studies operate under a "quality-focused, dynamic management" mechanism, serving as "readable cultural landscapes" and "spiritual charging stations" for communities. Efforts include the library branch system and the promotion of curated bookstores and公益阅读组织, fostering a collaborative approach to building a scholarly atmosphere.
In Wuxi, beyond unique urban reading rooms,便民阅读点 have been set up in hospitals, courts, blood donation centers, and fire stations. Guided by the regulations, Wuxi has developed a vibrant, distinctive reading ecosystem covering urban and rural areas.
Reading in Wuxi's "grand study" is a joyous experience. Through branded, regular, and targeted activities, the city offers a year-round feast of reading, blending modernity with tradition. The annual Taihu Reading Month merges reading with music, youth culture, and international flair, becoming a urban reading carnival. The "Public Reading Spring Breeze Action" spans the city, integrating social resources for high-quality events. The "Bell Book·Night Reading" online program has released over 70 episodes, featuring local recitations of literary works. The "Sound of the Canal" project in Liangxi offers free audiobooks via QR codes, updated quarterly, combining running with reading.
Reading has become more engaging, from solo sessions to group activities. A university student recently joined the Wuxi Library's "Into the Spring" study tour, gaining insights beyond textbooks while exploring the Donglin Academy with scholar Wang Hui. During the first "Public Reading Week," the city introduced AI-enhanced reading practices, such as digital avatars and big data guides. The "Bell Book·Erquan Moon" platform launched, enabling online submissions and offline interactions. The "Read the City" initiative decodes urban culture through its "Seven Veins" framework.
In recent years, Wuxi has focused on tailored services for different groups: Yixing Xinhua Bookstore's "Phoenix Youth Bookshelf" aids disadvantaged youth through donations and mentoring; Huishan High-tech Zone's decade-long "Huishan Scholarly Dreams" project supports visually impaired youth with publications and audio resources; and Wangzhuang Street's "Books for All" fund donates to schools in underprivileged areas. During "Public Reading Week," departments like education and civil affairs will launch targeted programs for youth, seniors, workers, families, and people with disabilities.
Data shows Wuxi's resident reading rate has exceeded 90% for years, ranking among the highest in the province. A culture of loving, reading, and benefiting from books has infused the city with lasting vitality. The regulations provide robust support, shifting public reading from advocacy to a legal mandate, clarifying responsibilities. Experts note that this will integrate scholarly city建设 into local planning and evaluations, boosting resources and attention.
The week's launch included a book donation ceremony for regional collaboration, highlighting公益担当. Last year, Xishan District paired rural libraries with volunteer groups to deliver resources directly to communities. Guided by the regulations, efforts will focus on equalizing urban-rural reading resources, upgrading rural facilities, and extending the "15-minute reading circle" to villages.
At the outset of the regulations and the first "Public Reading Week," Wuxi is deepening "reading plus" initiatives, advancing public reading into a new era of legalization, standardization, digital intelligence, and inclusivity, empowering high-quality urban development through the power of books.
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