There is good news for book lovers in Shinan district of Qingdao, Shandong province: the new version of its online library platform can now help residents to borrow books from local libraries whenever and wherever they want.

Qingdao Cloud Library, a WeChat account that the district put into operation, has helped to lend more than 100,000 books to local readers through online reservation and free delivery.

A man surnamed Zhang, said he received his digital card online, borrowed three popular books and waited for couriers to bring them to his home without having to pay a visit to the libraries.

In the past, readers needed to do all this offline, which was difficult for residents with special needs, for instance, seniors and disabled people.

To solve the problem, the local government released the Qingdao Cloud Library app to make reading more accessible for the public.

An official from the department of culture, press and publication of Shinan district, said the application of internet technologies can help to provide all-round services for various readers.

The upgrading of the app conforms to the new demand that emerged in the past half year, he said.

Readers can submit their names, ID numbers and photos to the Qingdao Cloud Library WeChat account to apply for a book card, after paying guarantee deposit ranging from 100 yuan ($15) to 300 yuan.

The card will be activated within 24 hours and can be used to borrow books from libraries across Shinan district. The books can be returned to any library throughout the city of Qingdao.

Chen Meiling contributed to the story

(China Daily 11/08/2017 page12)