A Forest of Green in the City
Nanjing Library (NJL) is the third largest library in China and the fourth largest in Asia. Located at 189 Zhongshan East Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, it's adjacent to Daxinggong Subway Station and is a significant cultural landmark in Nanjing.
I. History and Status
- History: NJL, formerly known as Jiangnan Library, was founded in 1907 and is one of the earliest public libraries in China. After several mergers and name changes, the new library was built in Daxinggong and fully opened in 2007.
- Cultural Status: As a National Key Library and one of the first national key protected units for ancient books, NJL holds a collection of 12 million books, offers 3,000 reading seats, and serves as the literature resource center of Jiangsu Province.
II. Architectural Features and Facilities
- Architectural Design: The new library covers an area of 25,200 sq m with a building area of 77,900 sq m. It has two basement levels and nine floors above ground. The exterior features a concave, arc-shaped structure, integrating modern steel structures, light-colored stone, and glass curtain walls, combining a humanistic atmosphere with a modern feel.
- Functional Areas: Includes exhibition halls, lecture halls, children's reading rooms, a reading room for the visually impaired, and a Sinology library. Specialized areas such as the ancient book restoration center and the digital reading plaza cater to diverse needs.
III. Opening Hours and Services
- Opening Hours
- Main Library: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (closed on Mondays).
- Evening Service:
- Evening Reading Room: Tuesday to Friday, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm (except for public holidays).
- Evening Self-Study Area: Tuesday to Sunday, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
- Special Services
- Library Card Types: Offers Chinese and foreign language library cards, children's cards, and library cards for the visually impaired. Deposits range from CNY 50 to 400 and are free to process.
- Electronic Resources: Supports online catalog searches and e-book borrowing (14-day loan period).
- Accessibility Services: The first basement level houses a reading room for the visually impaired, providing Braille books and periodicals, and audiobooks.
IV. Transportation
🚇 Subway: Take Line 2 or Line 3 to Daxinggong Station. Exit from Exit 1 and walk 140m to the south gate.
🚌 Bus:
- Nanjing Library Station: Routes 3, 31, 80, 202, 313, Y2, etc.
- Presidential Palace Station: Routes 29, 44, 65, 304, etc. Walk for about 5 mins after getting off.
🚗 Car: There's an underground parking lot and non-motor vehicle parking area at the east gate.
V. Entry Requirements and Notices
- Free Admission: Library cards can be obtained with a valid ID for borrowing books. Foreign nationals can also apply with their passports.
- Rules of Conduct: Dress neatly. Slippers and tank tops are prohibited. No loud talking, smoking, pets, or dangerous goods are allowed inside. Food and drinks are only permitted in designated areas on the first basement level.
- Storage Service: Free luggage storage is available. Personal books and periodicals are not allowed in the reading rooms.
VI. Nearby Amenities
- Attractions: Adjacent to the Presidential Palace (approx. 200m walk) and Jiangning Weaving House (near Subway Line 2/Exit 6).
- Transportation Hub: Daxinggong Station is an interchange station for Lines 2 and 3, providing quick access to Xinjiekou, Nanjing South Railway Station, etc.