Empowering migrant youth through reading

Can a simple library visit spark a lifelong love of learning and unlock a child's potential? Weilan's volunteers believe it can.

"I like this book. Can I borrow it?" a sixth grader asked excitedly, holding it up for librarian Yue Yihua to see.

"Of course," Yue replied, scanning the student's library card and the bar code on the back of the book. "I also have another one you might like," she added, guiding the child to a nearby shelf.

Within a minute, Yue was helping another student return books. Moments later, she was answering questions from more eager young readers.

It was just another busy morning for Yue at a library in suburban Beijing — one of many she has experienced over the past two decades working in libraries that support children from migrant families.

This particular library is part of the Weilan Library project, a nonprofit initiative launched in 2017 by Beijing Sanzhi. The program aims to empower migrant children by giving them access to a wide range of books and a welcoming reading environment.

"I feel a sense of authenticity working in a Weilan library," Yue said. "The kids know exactly what they want to read. I find joy even in the smallest moments — like recommending a book and seeing their eyes light up."

It's this energy and warmth that sets Weilan libraries apart.

"Every day, I read the service diaries written by our volunteers," said Zuo Qiao, founder of the project. "Seeing those entries fills me with pride. It's a truly vibrant space — a library that's alive."

"We don't need anything flashy — no elaborate decorations," Zuo added. "All we need is to sort the donated books, input them into the system, issue cards to the children, and make sure the books are being read and enjoyed."

According to him, the project has so far established 74 libraries in cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Changsha, and Kunming. As of April this year, a total of 526 Weilan Library volunteers had provided 1,380 services to the Weilan community.

One of these volunteers, Liao Xixiong, has dedicated over 5,800 hours since joining in 2017. She now oversees the operations of three libraries in Beijing and Langfang, Hebei province, and plays a crucial role in their day-to-day management.

"I hope to give migrant children access to knowledge and the chance to experience personal growth through reading," she said.

Liao's dedication is driven by her deep belief in the transformative power of reading. "At 29, I rediscovered the joy of reading — it felt like enrolling in a new kind of university," she said. "Knowledge has completely changed the way I live."

With eight years of volunteering experience, Liao has seen firsthand the difficulties many migrant children face in accessing quality educational resources. She is proud to see how Weilan provides these children with a wide variety of reading materials.

"We're always introducing books that are not only educational but also engaging," Liao said.

"They serve as stepping stones, helping children explore new ideas. For example, when they enter junior high school, those who've already been exposed to concepts in biology or geography will find it easier to understand the new subjects."

More than knowledge

Wei Jiayu, director general of the project, believes that education should go beyond simply acquiring knowledge — it should also nurture children's personalities, values, and social skills.

"In our libraries, children aren't just readers; they are active members of a community where they interact with peers and volunteers, supporting their overall growth," he said.

A defining feature of Weilan libraries is their nonjudgmental atmosphere.

Luo Wei, a volunteer and teacher at the international division of a high school in Chengdu, Sichuan province, explained that children are never pressured to read specific books in the libraries.

"Unlike other settings where children might face evaluation or criticism from parents and teachers, our libraries provide a safe space for children to explore books and themselves freely, without fear of judgment," Luo said.

"With all the academic pressure they're under, it's completely fine if they just sit quietly and do nothing for a while," she added. "Eventually, a natural spark will form between the children and the books."

Sadly, Liao has noticed that these children develop a very pragmatic view of life at an early age — so much so that they feel adventurous stories don't relate to them at all.

"When they finish reading these books, their first reaction isn't excitement, but the thought that they'll never have the money or time to live those adventures themselves," Liao explained.

She believes it's the project's responsibility to keep breaking down these invisible barriers.

"We need to help these children reconnect with the power of imagination," she said.

To address the problem, the library introduced a mini-program that allows volunteers to stay updated on the project's progress and track the children's situation.

"We're not here to do superficial work or just achieve KPIs; we're building real connections between people," Zuo emphasized.

"While one person can only do so much, we have to try," Luo said. "Even if it's just supporting the children who come to this library, it's a small step that can lead to big changes."