ZHOU Qinfang, HUANG Tiyang
LIBRARY TRIBUNE.
2025, 45(10):
70-80.
Examining how public libraries took root and flourished in China's rural areas sheds light on cultivating a thriving socialist culture,revitalizing rural culture,and developing rural public libraries. Through fieldwork and historical research,this paper systematically reviews relevant publications,archives,and statistical materials. Qiluo Library progressed through four phases:introduction,small fires,rebirth,and thriving,which offers key lessons such as co-governance by the Party and village committees,stewardship by rural elites,participatory construction by residents,service-oriented programming,governmental assistance,professionalization,and support from multiple forces. To advance rural public librarianship,it is necessary to develop rural public libraries based on the separation of ownership and management rights to ensure quality literature resources reach the primary level;promote endogenous growth by adhering to the people-centered development philosophy;and stimulate the positive role of diverse stakeholders by emphasizing the nonprofit nature of rural public libraries. As cultural landmarks,primary literacy centers,archival repositories,and curators of local cultural heritage,rural public libraries enhance community cohesion,and retain memories and nostalgia for those who have left their hometowns,thus building up China's cultural strength,and advancing the revitalization of rural culture.