A UNIQUE scene has been noticed at Bao’an Library this summer, where long lines of schoolbags of different shapes and colors have been neatly formed in front of the library’s north gate. These bags are used by readers to hold their place in line before the library opens so they can avoid standing in the sunlight, the Shenzhen Evening News reported.

The reporter with the News arrived at the library at 8 a.m. July 26 when the library had yet to open. However, two rows of schoolbags had already been lined up, extending to over 100 meters between the entrance and the road.

A resident surnamed Chen told the reporter that she had come to the library to prepare for the CPA (certified public accountant) exam. She said that she always gets up early in the morning and rushes to the library to ensure she gets a seat. Her bag was second in line that time even though she had arrived at 7:30 a.m.

“Normally, you might not be able to get in second place even if you arrive at 7:30 a.m. It might be due to the hot weather that people came later than usual today,” said Chen.

Another student from Bao’an District surnamed He said that he is accustomed to coming to the north gate of the library every day. He usually puts his bag down in the line and then goes to the shade to eat his breakfast and recite some English words.

According to a staffer with the library, the line at the north gate sometimes extends to Exit D of Baohua Station, which is 200 meters from the library.

Many residents on the scene said they approved of using bags to line up for a seat, because it allows them to obey the waiting rule while also protecting themselves from the sunlight.

Moreover, there has never been a case that a schoolbag has been lost or replaced, which shows a high level of civilization, said a resident surnamed Liu.

When the library opened at 9 a.m., everyone took their bags and entered the library in line. About five minutes later, the number of visitors exceeded 1,400. After more than 10 minutes, all 2,000 seats in the main hall were filled up and there were still people entering the library.

According to reading statistics shown on the screen, the total number of visitors reached about 40,000 by 6 p.m. that day.

It is well known that since the relocation of Bao’an Library to Bao’an’s central district in December 2013, the library has attracted a large number of readers due to its excellent supporting facilities and rich literature resources.

Bao’an Library has become the second-largest public library in the city, following Shenzhen Library, and a preferred location for residents in Bao’an and Nanshan District, according to the report.  (Jiang Wenyi)