Shandong senior's library a free public amenity for decades

72-year-old reading enthusiast Li Wan'an from Ningyang county in Tai'an city, East China's Shandong province, has opened his family library to the public free of charge for 34 years.

Born in Dongcidong village in Huafeng town, Li said that his only hobby is reading and as long as he has books to read, he can even forgo food – such is his love of literature.

Founded in 1989, Li's family library now boasts nearly 10,000 books. Dozens of bookshelves are neatly arranged with newspapers, magazines, illustrated posters, local chronicles, autobiographies of celebrities, works of great figures, and so on, published from the early 1950s to the present day.

Speaking of his reason for opening the library, Li said:"Knowledge is for sharing and the purpose of my book collection is to bring benefits to those who need it."

During the past 34 years, Li's library has also served as a reading activity venue for children, with Li happily recommending suitable literary works for kids to consume and enjoy.  (Edited by Chen Chuxuan)

Li Wan'an points to some illustrations in one of the books in his vast collection. [Photo by Sang Fayang for chinadaily.com.cn]

Li Wan'an gives advice on literature to local children. [Photo by Sang Fayang for chinadaily.com.cn]