Taking inspiration from New York City's underground library, the Beijing Metro Transportation Railway (MTR) created the M Subway Library. The public welfare program allows passengers on the Line 4 subway in Beijing to borrow eBooks inside train cars by scanning QR codes. The initiative was established with the help of the National Library, who provided the literary resources for riders.
Perfect for commuters, the underground library helps support culture and encourage reading and learning according to China's National Library Deputy Director Lee Honglin. The public transportation-based library uses public space to inspire people to read more and integrate knowledge into their everyday lives.
A similar library has been established in Shanghai on the Metro Line 2, where bookshelves are installed at stations.
QR-Accessible Subway Libraries
Beijing's Underground Library Lets You Scan Codes to Read eBooks
Trend Themes
1. Qr-accessible Libraries - Creating QR codes to access libraries could be implemented in other public places such as parks and airports to provide people more opportunities to read.
2. Public Transportation-based Libraries - Integrating libraries into public transportation could inspire more people to read and learn while commuting and waiting for transit.
3. Mobile Library Programs - Establishing mobile library programs that can access books, eBooks, or audio books in various public places like trains and buses could help boost reading culture and access to literature.
Industry Implications
1. Public Transportation - Pioneering reading initiatives could attract more ridership and boost revenue for traditional public transportation companies.
2. Publishing - Partnering with public transportation authorities such as the Beijing MTR and Shanghai Metro could be an opportunity to provide wider access to published material and gain a broader audience for publishers.
3. Education - Implementing reading programs in public transportation or making educational material accessible through QR codes could improve access to critical material and support education for those without easy access to materials.