As a new type of public cultural space that starts to thrive in recent years, urban libraries, located across Qingdao, have become preferred places for citizens and tourists to get firsthand experience of urban cultural life and history. As of now, the city has built 83 urban libraries, covering a total area of 26,000 square meters and housing nearly 600,000 books. By the end of 2025, the number of urban libraries in Qingdao is expected to exceed 100.

Qingdao has embraced a model of government leadership, social engagement, and universal participation and broken operational barriers, encouraging diverse entities to engage in market-driven operations and fostering themed urban libraries. Boasting diverse functions, well arranged areas and sound facilities, each of these urban libraries covers an area of no smaller than 150 square meters and houses no fewer than 5,000 books, and collaborates with public libraries at municipal and urban levels for cross-library borrowing and returning. In regard for planning and geographic location, urban libraries are mostly located in densely populated areas, including major streets, large residential communities, bustling business streets, scenic spots and parks, industry parks and commercial premises as they need to give play to their leading role. Furthermore, urban renewals and renovations of old blocks have been taken into account to make more efficient use of existing and idle resources. (Ma Xiaoting)

An urban library in Laoshan District, Qingdao.  By Wang Lei