China promotes libraries in primary, middle schools

The Ministry of Education has set the goal to install state-standard libraries in "most" elementary and middle schools by the end of 2020.

In an ongoing education drive focusing on the underdeveloped central and western regions, schools with adequate resources were urged to establish their own libraries, source more materials for existing ones and upgrade those deemed "unqualified", the ministry said in a statement on Monday.

While offering specific stipulations on the functions, size, facilities, storage methods and opening hours of standard libraries, the ministry noted that rural schools should at least supply a fixed list of books for students, if not an official library room.

The library effort is a joint drive by the ministries of education and culture, and the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.

Monday's statement called on local education authorities and enterprises to offer more financial support for rural schools to build libraries.