The library is back in vogue, more than ever before. It became a destination of choice for many locals in Nantong city, to enjoy the Spring Festival holiday. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Facing the grim realities of the COVID-19 pandemic at home, many citizens in Nantong city in East China's Jiangsu province chose instead to spice up their lives by spending their Spring Festival break in the library.

The Nantong Library – located in Chongchuan district – became a hot spot for locals and migrant workers who stayed put during the recent holiday. Students, office workers and retirees flocked there to immerse themselves in the world of knowledge.

Tong Tianyu, who attends university in Suzhou city in Jiangsu, got busy looking up research material in the library with his friends.

"I can't fix my attention on learning and writing my graduation thesis at home," Tong said. "With its complete information and tranquil environment, it is convenient to study here."

In another reading area, a Ms Ji was sitting and reading with her family. "In response to the call to stay put during Spring Festival, we didn't make any travel plan this year," Ji said.

"Reading together here enables us to improve our relationship and increase our knowledge via leaning and communicating with each other."

Relying on its substantial online and offline resources, to celebrate the Spring Festival the Nantong Library provided a range of stimulating activities including lectures, movie appreciation sessions and online interactions for visitors starting Feb 5 – and these are scheduled to run through to Feb 28.

In addition, renewed efforts were made for novel coronavirus epidemic prevention and control. The library adopted measures such as daily cleaning, ventilation and disinfection, as well as an appointments system for entry.