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The new self-service rural library in Bihai Community is enriching the cultural lives of local residents. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Bihai Community in Yuantuojiao Resort, located in Qidong, a county-level city administered by Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province, has a new rural library which is making a real difference to the lives of residents.

Nearly 6,000 books covering such categories as literature, history, tourism and healthcare fill its bookshelves.

The 160-square-meter rural library in Bihai Community is a self-service facility, equipped with reading areas for children and e-readers.

"It is convenient to borrow and return books by ourselves. With its graceful and tranquil environment, I love to read here when I'm free," said Tang Fengqin, a resident of Bihai Community.

The Bihai Community is a newly built residential cluster, with a relatively poor cultural life to date.

"An elderly reading club was established when the community was built," according to Gong Hongyu, Party branch secretary of the community. "Due to limited conditions, the club used to call on its residents read newspapers together," Gong added.

The community learned about the reading needs of villagers following interviews and an investigation. As a result, the rural library opened its doors for business in Bihai Community in May. Local officials say its arrival has solved the previous difficulties in buying, borrowing and reading books and enriched the cultural life of the people.

The reading club stipulates that the 1st and 16th days of each month are reading days, to study and discuss subjects including   scientific and cultural knowledge, family virtues and a civil society.

Due to its diverse, interesting activities and down-to-earth themes, the club has rapidly attracted dozens of members.