Brief Overview of World-Famous City Libraries

Author: Wang Shiwei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: This book is one of the achievements of the National Social Science Key Project "Research on the Indicator System of World-Class City Libraries," and it is also one of the earlier works on the study of world-class city libraries both domestically and internationally. The book introduces the libraries of 15 famous cities around the world, as well as the historical development, distinctive collections, management and service features, and future visions of these cities. It also analyzes the mutual influence between urban development and library development. Through this book, readers can gain an overview of some of the world's most renowned city libraries.
Beijing, the capital of China, is located at the northern end of the North China Plain, surrounded by the Bohai Sea to the east and the Taihang Mountains to the west. It faces the Yellow River to the south and the Juyong Pass to the north, covering a vast area rich in natural resources and cultural heritage. Beijing is a historic and cultural city with a civilization spanning 500,000 years, a city history of over 3,000 years, and a history as the capital for more than 800 years. As early as the Neolithic Age, Beijing was a significant convergence of the Yangshao, Hongshan, and Longshan cultures. During the Bronze Age, it became a cultural hub connecting the Central Plains, Northeast China, and Mongolia. Before King Wu of Zhou conquered the Shang Dynasty, the state of Yan already existed in Beijing. According to legend, during the era of Emperor Yao, the first city in the region was established and called "Youdu." Even if we date its urban history from the time of "Zhaogong's Enfeoffment in Yan" or "Enfeoffing the Descendants of Yao in Ji," Beijing has a city history of over 3,040 years. As one of China's most celebrated ancient capitals, it has been the capital of five dynasties—the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Beijing has been the capital of the new nation. To date, its history as a capital spans over 850 years, earning it recognition as one of the world's top ten famous cities.
Beijing's rich historical and cultural heritage is unparalleled, with nearly a quarter of China's world cultural heritage concentrated in the city. Of the six sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, seven more historical sites are on the tentative list for future inscription. The sheer number of cultural heritage sites in Beijing is remarkable, making it stand out even among cities in Asia and the world. Moreover, Beijing boasts ten world-renowned "firsts": the world's largest city square, Tiananmen Square; the world's largest imperial palace, the Forbidden City; the world's longest defensive wall, the Great Wall; the world's most complete and extensive ancient sacrificial complex, the Temple of Heaven; the world's best-preserved and largest imperial garden, the Summer Palace; the site with the richest fossil remains of ancient humans, Zhoukoudian; the mausoleum complex with the most emperors and the best preservation, the Ming Tombs; the world's earliest royal imperial garden, Beihai Park; the bell with the most inscriptions, the Yongle Bell; and the temple with the most stone-carved Buddhist scriptures, the Cloud Gate Temple. These ten world-renowned "firsts," along with other historical and cultural landmarks, are deeply embedded with cultural significance, enriching Beijing's status as a globally recognized cultural capital of the East.
As an ancient capital, Beijing has weathered countless changes, accumulating a complex and profound historical tapestry, making it a celebrated hub of human culture. Whether exploring the mysteries of Chinese history, delving into the essence of Eastern civilization, or tracing the winding journey of the Chinese nation, Beijing stands as an epic masterpiece of celestial and earthly grandeur. It vividly embodies the spirit of the Chinese nation in every corner, reflecting its enduring legacy. The vast, continuous, and colorful history and culture form the lifeblood of this ancient city, reinforcing its status as a historic and cultural capital.
As the political, cultural, and diplomatic center of China, Beijing has a thriving library system, ranking first in the country. The Capital Library is a comprehensive large-scale public library in Beijing and the central library for the region. It is a...