Guardian of China's 'Lonely Library'
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E-mail Xinhua, May 11, 2016
Many elderly Chinese enjoy their retirement looking after grandchildren, or joining square dancing groups. Meng Xiangqian, 63, however, reignited his career by applying for a post at China's "lonely library".
The library, built just a year ago by a real estate developer and a renowned publishing company, boasts an exclusive section of the beach at Beidaihe, the nearest coastal resort to Beijing.
Far from the concrete jungle and urban bustle, the seaside library with its picturesque views went viral last year with web users calling it "the loneliest library in the world".
Meng never expected to gain such distinction in the digital age. He retired in 2013 from a 30-year career in libraries. He is proud of being a librarian, as Chairman Mao, the idol of his generation, did the same job at Peking University before leading China's revolution.
When his daughter showed him the library's recruitment advertisement, he sent in his resume along with hundreds of others. Two months later, he was offered the job.
"How could I say no to such an enviable offer?" Meng told Xinhua earlier this month.
In a year, more than 70,000 visitors have flocked to the library, which can only seat 60 visitors. At the peak, it received 2,000 people in one day.
However, not everyone came to read. Some took photos and selfies with the seascape; some came to flirt with their dates; and the sound of the waves was always drowned by the noise of running children.
Meng could not tolerate such chaos. After two months, he drew up strict rules for the scenic attraction: no photographing and chatting in reading room; no entry without a reservation ticket.
Some complain he takes the job too seriously, but Meng insists traditional library rules should be followed.
He feels he has a responsibility to tell visitors that the beautiful library was built not just to create stunning views, but also to inspire a joy of reading.
He is not always strict. Once he postponed the closing time for an elderly visitor who traveled 50km on a sweltering summer day, but did not know how to book a ticket online.
He invited children from nearby fishing villages to come and read. Most of them had never been to library before.
He believes the community of readers distinguishes a library from a bookstore.
The only librarian, Meng usually opens at 9 a.m. every day and closes the doors at 6 p.m.. Not content with keeping order or cleaning shelves, he is trying to handwrite an index for 5,100 books - "not for extra pay, but for extra fun."
Since joining social media to introduce the library to a wider readership, he has gained a wide following.
His hard work has moved others. Visitors bring him mooncakes and fruit on the Mid-Autumn Day; booklovers donate their collections; former colleagues and friends help organize reading clubs.
Some experts predict technology will one day make librarians obsolete. But Meng said the connection between a librarian and readers can never be replaced.
Young colleagues and visitors call him "Uncle Meng". A schoolgirl named Ma Rongrong wrote to Meng saying, "You take care of the 'lonely library' like it is your child."
Though he seldom returns home, Meng's family is very supportive and proud of his work. The librarian said he has no plans to quit: "I am not tired, and I am always thinking to do something for others." Endi
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