Library

A library is one of the important public facilities no matter where it is, either in the western countries or eastern ones. When I lived in Shanghai six years ago, I often went to the library with my son. Now I’m living in Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Canada and I still often visit library. When I compare libraries in Shanghai and Toronto, I found some differences. First, in the light of geographical distribution, Shanghai libraries serve people in a large district. It is usually far away from the neighborhood and it takes a long time to get there. Fortunately, the public transportation is extremely developed in Shanghai and people can go to library very conveniently. Toronto libraries normally serve on community basis. Several nearby communities share a library. There are more libraries in GTA than in Shanghai. Second, the internal environment of the library is different. Libraries in GTA and Shanghai have great interior design. However, there are some different feelings to it. The libraries seem more serious in Shanghai, but the libraries in GTA seem more comfortable and relaxing. Third, there are some difference in functional details. Shanghai libraries and GTA libraries both are good platforms for republishing all kinds of culture information resources. GTA libraries focus more on serving small communities, especially in particular for under 10 years old children to create programs such as “story time and dance time” which is very popular. It is also bringing popularity to the library. I think no matter in Shanghai or GTA, the library is a good place to people.