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In the quiet hours before dawn, when most of Shanghai is asleep, a warm glow emanates from a building in Heping Park. Inside, students are poring over textbooks, freelancers poring over laptops, and night-walkers seeking solace in the bustling metropolis. This Heping Library is Shanghai’s first 24-hour park library, and has recently earned global recognition.
The facility, also known as the Heping Branch of the Hongkou Library in the Hongkou District of Shanghai, was nominated for the Public Library of the Year Award 2025 by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. It emerged as the only Asian finalist among 15 contestants from eight countries and secured second place.
A top honor for libraries, the award recognizes innovative public libraries around the world that combine functional architecture with sustainability and innovative technology, while balancing digital advancement with local cultural elements.
Wang Zhaowei, director of reader services at Heping Library, says, “Our uniqueness lies in our environmentally conscious design integrated with a park setting, coupled with our commitment to accessibility through round-the-clock operations.”
The complex consists of four themed buildings designed to resemble open books, complemented by an art gallery and greenbelt space for reading. Its sustainable features include solar panel clusters, natural lighting through glass curtain walls and ventilation corridors that maximize energy efficiency.
Since opening in April 2024, the library has welcomed more than 2 million visitors, more than 100,000 of whom come during late nights. The library receives an average of 105 visitors between midnight and 6 am, and approximately 300 visitors between midnight and 8 am.
“Night visitors represent a diverse cross-section of society,” Wang explains. “We see office workers spending extra time, students preparing for exams, insomniacs finding purpose in their sleeping hours, and delivery workers using the space as a place to rest during night shifts.”
Xu Ziwei, a night shift librarian, observes the difference between day and night at the facility. “During the day, it’s bustling with readers of all ages. At night, it transforms into a quieter, more contemplative place.”
Freelancer Xiao Hongye finds the library environment a powerful antidote to procrastination. Arriving around 9 pm to meet the deadline, she explains, “At home, I just keep procrastinating. Here, seeing others studying and working hard creates an environment that motivates me.”
The library’s influence spans generations. Feng Yinshen, 84, is a regular visitor. “Most people who come here are interested in reading,” he said. “Some of the younger, more energetic people stay from dusk to dawn.”
For 79-year-old Liu Dianqing, who often comes in at 3 a.m. because of insomnia, the library provides solace. “When I wake up in the middle of the night, I know that sleep will not come back,” he explains. “I always used to walk in the park and end up here.
He says, “The library is an example of how the culture of reading is promoted in the city. For some people of my generation, who had limited educational opportunities, this place is a treasure. I am making up for lost time, learning something new every day.”
This library holds a special meaning for visitors like Luo Jing, who came from Hunan province. “As someone who frequents libraries at home, finding such a welcoming space in another city makes it feel like home,” she says.
Between jobs and exploring Shanghai, Luo plans to spend the night in the library before catching an early train. “The excitement of being in a new place, combined with the safe environment of the library, made it an attractive alternative to staying in a hotel for me,” she explains.
Wang, who works in the library, is especially proud of these stories. “We have become more than just a library,” he says. “Some visitors are going through challenging times, perhaps looking for a job in an unfamiliar city. We provide a respectful space to study, relax, and rebuild.
“Every night, we light a ‘lamp of wisdom’ that never goes out,” Wang says. “In this fast-paced city, people need more than just books; they also need a space that understands and accommodates their diverse lifestyles. In addition to disseminating knowledge, public libraries also serve as warm places that connect people.”