While amusement parks are enjoying immense popularity, libraries are also experiencing a surge in popularity among readers.
In this era, most books were in the hands of aristocratic families, and even scholars had to go through considerable difficulties to acquire knowledge. But when they arrived at the library, they were stunned by what they saw.
Upon entering the library, one is greeted by rows of bookshelves piled high with books, and the entire library is filled with the pleasant fragrance of books.
Someone swallowed hard and asked uncertainly, "We can browse through all of these at will?"
The staff member in charge of reception understood everyone's feelings; their own expressions upon first seeing the library were no less composed than these people's. Those who work in a library are generally well-educated and naturally understand the value of books.
Seeing the tourists' eyes light up, they smiled and explained, "As long as everyone follows the library rules, these books are free for everyone to browse. If you don't finish reading them, you can take notes. However, you can't take the books out without permission. The specific rules are listed in the library's reading manual, so please remember to read them carefully."
The tourists nodded, suppressing their excitement as they carefully read the library's rules. Even those who had never stayed at an inn knew that the inn's rules were the manager's bottom line; as long as they stayed within the rules, they had absolute freedom.
Having learned the rules, the tourists eagerly flocked to the bookshelves. Looking at the vast collection of books, some book lovers couldn't help but shed tears.
Compared to other things, the value of a library is undoubtedly the highest.
Thanks to the unique function of the building, the library's books are mostly in line with the times, and many even have been automatically supplemented with incomplete copies.
Of course, the library's books are not limited to science; there are also many books on entertainment, technology, and other fields. However, these books are not currently receiving much attention, with many people prioritizing books on the imperial examinations.
Seeing this, An Ge wasn't worried. At present, people's understanding of books is mostly focused on the imperial examinations. Although the status of craftsmen has improved, books about skills are still considered leisure reading.
As the library's reputation grows and more people visit, the value of those books will eventually be discovered.
In fact, An Ge felt that the true value of this library lay in its books.
She can bring some changes to the world, but what can truly change the world is never one person or those ethereal gods and spirits, but the people.
That knowledge is the most powerful driving force behind the development of this era.
Song Ankang took out a primer for early childhood education and opened the book with a touch of reverence. Among the prizes his father had won in the ice sculpture competition was a permanent library card. He hadn't known what it meant before, but now, after seeing the library's rules, he finally understood the importance of this prize.
According to library rules, books cannot be borrowed. If a book that many people are interested in is not read this time, it may not be available next time. For book lovers, this is like having their beloved books taken away, and the disappointment is unimaginable.
Some people have clearly considered this point as well. Although there are at least three similar books, this is obviously not enough. Therefore, many people choose to copy the books down first and then read them carefully.
Song Ankang, however, did not have these worries. As long as it was a book he was interested in, he could borrow it if he couldn't finish it in a short time, as long as he returned it on time.
Time flies when you're reading. Song Ankang felt like he hadn't been reading for long before the library was already closing time. He rubbed his empty stomach, picked up the book he hadn't finished reading, and headed to the front desk.
When the closing bell rang, everyone sighed in unison. They reluctantly put down their books, their expressions as if they were parting from a lover.
"Hey little guy, put the book back right now. The library rules say you're not allowed to fight back."
Song Ankang was holding a book and queuing to leave the library when he felt someone tap him on the shoulder. He turned around and saw a simply dressed scholar talking to him with a look that said, "This kid is too naughty."
The scholar's words drew the attention of those around him, who then noticed the books in Song Ankang's hands. Unlike the books outside, they were clearly from a library.
"Oh dear, this child is so insensible. Put him back quickly. Luckily we found out in time, otherwise you would have been punished by the immortals."
Looking at so many eyes, Song Ankang scratched his head a little embarrassedly, "It's okay, I can lend the book out."
The crowd looked on with suspicion. Then they watched as Song Ankang took out a small green notebook. The employee glanced at the notebook and the book in his hand, then let him go without saying a word.
"Hey, how come this kid managed to take the book out?"
Everyone stared intently at the employee sitting at the front desk, until the employee broke out in a cold sweat.
“He had a library card issued by the store manager, which allowed him to borrow a few books. I was just following the rules.”
What is a library card?
The employee explained the origin of the library card, and everyone suddenly realized what had happened.
"Are there any other ways to get a library card?" The prospect of being able to borrow books would be an enormous temptation for them.
The employee shrugged. "As far as I know, only a few images have been released so far, from the last ice sculpture competition."
Everyone sighed regretfully. Although they were envious, this was something others had earned through their own abilities, and they couldn't simply envy it. Fortunately, the library accepted copies of the books, so they wouldn't have to worry about not being able to get them when more people wanted to copy them in the future.
"Hehe, I bought a library card from an award winner last time, and there happened to be a book I wanted to read, so I borrowed it without hesitation." Someone suddenly spoke up, looking smug.
He didn't know what a library card was before, but adhering to the principle that what the store manager gave him must be good, and since he happened to have some money at home, he spent some money to buy the reward.
Unexpectedly, I ended up getting a library card.
Amidst the envious and jealous gazes of the crowd, the man picked up the book and strode away.
Someone had a sudden idea: before the library card became widely available among readers, they could buy one from elsewhere. While the library card was useful, its use was largely limited to readers; most of the people who received the reward were not readers, so buying one wasn't impossible.
An Ge anticipated the enthusiasm for the library cards, but she didn't plan to distribute too many at once. Currently, the library buys copied books, which is a good source of income for impoverished students.
In the future, there will be more and more books of the same kind, and the books in the library will eventually circulate in the market.
Moreover, she hadn't forgotten that papermaking techniques could be found in some technical books, and even the greenhouse technology she had recently announced could be found there. Once these treasures were discovered, the right to acquire knowledge would inevitably return from the aristocratic families to ordinary adults.
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