Shanghai, a vibrant center of culture, is home to a variety of libraries and bookstores. They offer book lovers a diverse range of resources and enriching experiences.

Here is a guide on the city's public libraries, reader's cards, and bookstore reservations.

Public libraries

In Shanghai, the library network is unified, enabling readers to access books from any public library in the city with a single card called the reader's card. This means you can borrow books from any public library and return to any other library in the city.

Foreigners can also obtain a reader's card and benefit from the library's extensive resources.

Simply go to any public library to apply, such as the Shanghai Library, Pudong Library, Jiading Library, or Zikawei Library.

Remember to bring your passport.

There is no deposit required if you just read books in the libraries.

If you want to borrow books, you must make a deposit of 100 yuan (US$14).

Note:

1. To borrow reference books, you can only head to the Shanghai Library to apply, and a deposit of 1,000 yuan is necessary.

2. If you borrow a reference book at the Shanghai Library, you must return it to the exact same venue.

Alternatively, you can apply for an e-card through Shanghai Library's WeChat mini-program without making a deposit.

E-cards can only be used to borrow regular books.

Follow these steps to get an electronic reader's card.

Step 1: Scan the QR code to enter Shanghai Library's WeChat mini-program.

Step 2: Click "读者证 (Reader's Card)."

Step 3: Click "Register," and then "Other license registration."

Step 4: Enter your personal information. A Chinese phone number is needed.

Step 5: When the process is completed, click "Log in."

Step 6: Click "读者证 (Reader's Card)" on the homepage again, and you can find your electronic reader's card.

It's a QR code that remains valid for one minute. Reload the page if it's not valid.

The QR code can be used in libraries for borrowing or renewing books.

Note:

1.You can borrow up to 15 books for a period of 28 days.

2. You can renew your books for an additional 28 days.

Currently, no reservation is required to enter public libraries.

Bookstores

In addition to libraries, there are also bookstores such as Duoyun Books and Sinan Books.

The flagship store of Duoyun Books is on the 52nd floor of Shanghai Tower, the city's tallest building, and offers a unique reading environment at a height of 239 meters.

Reservation is necessary.

Step 1: Follow the WeChat account "世纪朵云." Click "Services," and then "朵云门店 (Duoyun Bookstores)."

Step 2: Select a bookstore, and the date and time. Enter your personal information.

Step 3: Click "Submit" and you will receive your reservation QR code.

Source: City News Service