For holiday in Tibet, some go to the library

During the Chinese Lunar New Year and Losar — the Tibetan New Year — most residents of Lhasa, Tibet, have been doing plenty of celebrating. But not everyone is partying. Some are spending time in the library.

Most working people were given a holiday of 10 days starting on Feb 11 in Tibet, and some — mostly students — went to study in the Library of Tibet, forgoing entertainment.

Pema Yangdron, a librarian at the library, said the facility opened from 10 am to 4 pm every day during the New Year's holiday and was flooded with readers.

"The readers are mostly college students, but people who work in different public sectors also visited during the holiday. There's free hot water and a grocery store in the library as well," Pema Yangdron said.

Min Hao, a primary school student of Lhasa, said he has been doing his homework at the Library of Tibet for five days, and he preferred to study there to avoid being disturbed by his brother.

"The opening of school is getting closer, and I have not finished my homework yet. That's why I come here every day to study," Min said.

Penpa Kalsang, a college student, said he likes reading, and the library is his favorite place to do it because his family members are celebrating every day at home, making it hard for him to focus on reading.

"The table, the light and the chairs in the library are very comfortable for reading and studying, and the atmosphere helps me to focus," said Penpa Kalsang.

"Passing the tests for civil service jobs is challenging. I am afraid that too much fun would influence my learning progress, and that's why I spend most of my time in the library these days."