On the first floor of Baoshan District Library, young readers gather around the service desk, standing on tiptoe with wide eyes fixed on the cultural stamp in the librarian’s hand. Amid the cheerful chatter and the crisp sound of stamps being pressed, the 2025 Baoshan Reading Month officially kicked off in a lively and festive atmosphere.

A standout feature of this year’s event is the specially designed “Exploration Handbook,” a collaborative effort between Baoshan District Library and the China Post Group Shanghai Baoshan District Branch. This beautifully crafted handbook not only outlines over 20 curated activities but also serves as a unique “cultural passport.” According to the organizers, the handbook includes a stamp-collection challenge: participants receive a commemorative stamp for each activity they attend, and collecting a certain number unlocks exclusive cultural gifts. “It’s like a literary treasure hunt—so much fun!” exclaimed a student as they flipped through the pages. A staff member added, “We hope this handbook serves not only as a tool for collecting stamps but also as a key to unlocking Baoshan’s cultural treasures and the magic of reading.”

To enhance the reading experience and cater to diverse audiences, the library continues to innovate. Following the successful launch of a foreign-language book section for young readers on Children’s Day, the August Reading Month introduces “Foreign-Language Storytime.” This new program features native-speaking teachers leading engaging bilingual sessions, offering a fresh and exciting twist on parent-child reading.

This August, the pages of the “Exploration Handbook” will guide residents on a vibrant cultural journey, with nearly 100 events taking place across Baoshan’s libraries, shared reading spaces, and child-friendly literary hubs. Highlights include heartwarming youth reading exchanges, hands-on intangible cultural heritage workshops, thought-provoking author talks, and the enchanting “Library Night.” These activities will span a variety of themes, from red culture and literacy philanthropy to youth empowerment and family bonding, ensuring there’s something for everyone, regardless of age or interest.

“Reading shouldn’t be confined to libraries; it should be part of everyday life,” said the library’s director. “Through this series of events, we hope to bring the fragrance of books into every corner of Baoshan, making reading an integral part of the city’s identity.”