According to a report by the Lanzhou Evening News on June 2, as cited by Daily Gansu, the Youth Branch of the Lanzhou City Library reopened on May 14, with readers able to enter after completing real-name registration or making an online reservation. Half a month later, how is the library faring since its reopening? A reporter’s on-site visit revealed that during its first week of operation, the youth branch welcomed a total of 556 visitors—211 through online reservations and 345 via real-name registration. Meanwhile, the library’s newly acquired self-service book sterilization machine has become a popular “internet‑famous” fixture, widely used for disinfection in response to the pandemic.
Self-service book sterilizer for rapid 30-second disinfection
After the pandemic, readers who frequently borrow books from the library may have wondered: With so many hands passing through them, could library books harbor a large number of bacteria? And for young children in particular, can proper hygiene be maintained? Fortunately, the newly acquired self-service book sterilization machine at the Lanzhou City Library’s Youth Branch has addressed these concerns.
On May 31, the reporter observed the “self-service book sterilizer” up close: at first glance, it resembles a compact refrigerator—square and slightly over one meter tall, with a door handle and a single button. A small window on the door allows users to peek inside and see what’s going on within. The door also features an electronic display and a user manual; even younger readers can quickly learn how to operate the device by referring to the accompanying images and text.
“This machine employs ultraviolet disinfection to achieve its sterilization effect.”
Xie Xutao, a staff member at the youth branch library, demonstrated and explained as he went along. He first picked up a book that a reader had just returned from the return rack. When he lifted the upper protective door of the sterilization unit, the handle pulled up with the same effortless ease as a typical household disinfection cabinet. He then laid the book flat, spread it open, and secured it vertically on an inverted “U”-shaped bracket. Closing the protective door and pressing the button, the machine kicked into action; a blue glow appeared inside, and through the glass window of the door, one could see the book’s pages gently trembling as they lay open. After 30 seconds, the sterilization cycle was complete—capable of disinfecting six books at once. Xie Xutao noted that every weekend, young readers line up here to have their books “bathed” in the sterilizer, turning the machine into a popular, Instagram‑worthy feature of the library. Ms. Wu, who came to the library with her child, also praised this thoughtful initiative: “Books circulate among children, inevitably picking up all sorts of germs. Now that we have this sterilizer to disinfect them, I feel much more at ease—no longer worrying about hygiene issues.”
Comprehensive disinfection and multiple measures to serve readers.
Xie Xutao, a staff member at the Youth Branch Library, explained that to prevent crowds from gathering, the library has implemented a dual system of in-person real-name registration and online reservation. The library also enforces overall capacity limits on the number of visitors allowed during each time slot, with a daily cap of 100 patrons and no more than 30 readers inside at any given moment. Visitors must wear masks and have a normal body temperature—below 37.3°C—to enter. Since reopening, the library conducts two thorough, all‑round disinfections every day, before opening and after closing, leaving no area untouched. Frequently used equipment such as search terminals, borrowing machines, and return machines are disinfected every two hours. In addition, all returned books undergo disinfection before being placed back on the shelves, and borrowers may use self‑service disinfection stations to sanitize their items before taking them home.
Following the museum’s opening, a series of primarily online events will be launched. Engaging activities such as the “Urban Adventure” quiz on children’s safety—complete with prizes—and the “I’m a Little Heritage Keeper” video contest featuring parent–child shadow‑puppet storytelling await readers’ participation and check‑ins.
Zhang Dan, All-Media Reporter, Lanzhou Daily — Text and Photos