Restorers preserve ancient books for posterity

"The most difficult part was aligning the restored pages before binding the book. Trainees had to practice hundreds of times," she said. "Great patience is required not to mess anything up."

The job affects her health. Mold and bacteria from the books cause skin diseases, while years of desk-bound work have caused pains in her neck and shoulders.

Immobility may also make things worse for Shi, who limps on her right leg because of a childhood illness. Despite that, she wants to stay with the work. "I feel the beauty of ancient Chinese culture. I believe it is the best job," she said.

Shi said most of the ancient books in the library are available for people to borrow. The only ones that are off-limits are very special and precious. Readers include college students, researchers and elderly people.

Many seniors, in groups of three or four, have asked to use books to trace their possible family trees, and some of the books were collected from a cultural relics market.

Some readers leave comments in the guest book. One, surnamed Luo, wrote that he felt excited when he read the records about his grandfather and great-grandfather.

Another, named Yang Xiang, the great-great-grandson of Yang Yuebin, a general in the late Qing period, wrote that he wanted to thank the library for providing him with the opportunity to learn about how his ancestors contributed to the development of Northwest China.

Meanwhile, after viewing the genealogy related to his ancestors, Ma Zhiyong－a descendant of Ma Yin (852-930), an emperor of the Kingdom of Southern Chu, which existed in Hunan during the period of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907-960)－wrote, "Every piece of history, either that of a country or a family, matters."

Shi said: "If ancient books can be read and used, their life span is lengthened and the value is extended. I feel honored to contribute."

Zhu Youfang in Changsha contributed to this story.