Guardian of China's 'loneliest library'

Readers at the library. [Photo/IC]

He feels he has a responsibility to tell visitors that the beautiful library was built not just to create stunning views, but also to inspire a joy of reading.

He is not always strict. Once he postponed the closing time for an elderly visitor who traveled 50km on a sweltering summer day, but did not know how to book a ticket online.

He invited children from nearby fishing villages to come and read. Most of them had never been to library before.

He believes the community of readers distinguishes a library from a bookstore.

The only librarian, Meng usually opens at 9 a.m. every day and closes the doors at 6 p.m.. Not content with keeping order or cleaning shelves, he is trying to handwrite an index for 5,100 books - "not for extra pay, but for extra fun."

Since joining social media to introduce the library to a wider readership, he has gained a wide following.

His hard work has moved others. Visitors bring him mooncakes and fruit on the Mid-Autumn Day; booklovers donate their collections; former colleagues and friends help organize reading clubs.

Some experts predict technology will one day make librarians obsolete. But Meng said the connection between a librarian and readers can never be replaced.

Young colleagues and visitors call him "Uncle Meng". A schoolgirl named Ma Rongrong wrote to Meng saying, "You take care of the 'lonely library' like it is your child."

Though he seldom returns home, Meng's family is very supportive and proud of his work. The librarian said he has no plans to quit: "I am not tired, and I am always thinking to do something for others."

A reader searches for books at the library. [Photo/IC]