Restorers preserve ancient books for posterity

Renowned figures

Ancient books stored at the library include the writings of well-known historical figures from Hunan, such as Zuo Zongtang, a general during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The volumes include poems, calligraphy and paintings, the only copies of old newspapers that record significant historical events, as well as books related to the genealogy of local families.

The series Shi is currently working on is known in English as The Collection of Ancient and Modern Books, edited during the reign of the Yongzheng Emperor (1678-1735) of the Qing Dynasty, who wrote the preface.

It's an important encyclopedia to search for ancient documents and information about various industries or activities. One of the 11 books that comprise the collection in the library has been badly damaged by insects, according to Shi.

She remembers one book that proved a headache: an accounts register from a prestigious local family dating back to roughly 1849-53.

"The paper pages were like cotton fiber at the time, so I had to hold my breath when restoring them, otherwise the pieces would have been blown away," she said.

Though it took six months to finish the restoration work, Shi enjoyed the process. "It's an interesting book. The accountant recorded every detail of income and expenditure of the family of his employer, a rich landowner," she said.

The books also surprise her occasionally. "Sometimes, we find small objects like stamps or letters within a book. While I was restoring a genealogical book about a family surnamed Chen, I found two paper patterns used to make a pair of shoes. That touched my heart. How sweet!" she said.