New Chapter as Jikaway Library Welcomes Readers

Ti Gon

A new cultural landmark in Xuhui District, the Jikawei Library opened on Sunday.

Covering 18,650 square meters, the library is located in the central area of Xujiahui Garden, a tourist attraction on 4A. Xujiahuiyuan is also known as the “Birthplace of Haipai Culture”.

There are about 800 seats for readers, on the 2nd basement floor and 3rd floor above ground.

As a general library, according to the Xuhui District Culture and Tourism Bureau, it incorporates literature reading, children’s reading areas, exhibition and lecture spaces, art appreciation, cultural bazaars, and tourist information services and functions.

Zikawei refers to Xujiahui, which contains elements of the Shanghai dialect.

It also houses the Yongle Canon, an ancient encyclopedia, and the Complete Collection of Ancient Literature compiled during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), or Treasures. of the library.

Ti Gon

In the library you can also find copies of famous newspapers and magazines from the late Qing dynasty to the Republic of China (1912-1949).

The library has stained glass windows.

The design of the iconic art installation at the center of the library was inspired by Xuhui’s landmark, the Tou Shiwei Memorial Arch, and printed with 3D technology.

Formerly a block away by the Xujiahui Catholic Church, the Old Library closed in 2019 to make way for a new location.

We had our first readers on Sunday morning.

“When I walked into the library, warm memories flashed through my mind,” said reader Lei Xiaogang.

Li said he visited the place many times when he was studying at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, which is located near the library, and his first job was at Lingling Road, which is located near the library.

“The new library is surrounded by beautiful, historic buildings that highlight its cultural appeal,” he said. “The reading atmosphere is strong.”