26 June 2025

Does China Really Have The Largest Library In The World – 1.2 Million Books (Volumes) As The Above Photo Is Claimed To Show? And If So, So What?!

I saw the image above on Facebook Wednesday, 25 June 2025: “This is the largest library in the world. Just opened in China and has 1.2 million books.” My first thought: “Do you think the Chinese librarians counted the number of books right?”

To illustrate the use of such a vast physical library – let us do an Internet search on the definition and/or explanation of “knowledge” – ready?

“what is knowledge” – the Internet said it found “35,900,000” entries, and how am I going to read all those?!

“define knowledge” – the Internet still had 154,300 search results, stil too many for me!

“explain knowledge” – the Internet gave me even more, 6,610,000 search results!

Never ever think you know everything about a subject because other people may know more – or differently!

That is why when I write, I never say something like, “This is it. If what others have written is against it, they’re wrong!”

Suppose Maria Ressa, Filipino winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize for Peace says, “Ferdinand Marcos Jr is a bad President.” Would you accept the judgment because it is given with some authority?

I would not!

That is why I am writing this article – if you want to judge people, you have to do it on your own.

I practice my own, which I call “THiNK! Journalism.”

True? If True, is it
Helpful? If Helpful, is it
Inspiring? If Inspiring, is it
Necessary? If necessary, is it 
Kind?

THiNK! Journalism.

On the Internet, I just typed “wisest American,” and the Internet showed me the book “Emerson The Wisest American.” That is the view of only one man, the author of the book, Philips Russell.

In any case, you have the right to disagree!

The Library & Information Science Community says (lisedunetwork.com):

A public library is a cornerstone of community education and enrichment, offering free access to knowledge and resources. It is an inclusive sanctuary where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses can engage in lifelong learning and cultural exchange. Beyond its traditional role of lending books, a public library facilitates access to digital media, hosts educational programs, and provides community services that foster literacy and digital competence. These institutions are not merely repositories of books; they are vibrant, dynamic spaces that adapt to the evolving needs of their communities, promoting equality of access to information and empowering citizens in a democratic society.

What is a public library? Library & Information Science (lisedunetwork.com) says:

“Public libraries play a crucial role in modern society, extending far beyond their traditional function as mere repositories of books. Today, they serve as dynamic hubs of education, technology, culture, and community engagement.”
That is to say, if the library does not actively, readily and happily assist would-be learners in finding out something or other, it is missing on its original function of helping readers search for knowledge!  

Library users, in the meantime? “The Largest Library In The World” means nothing. Use your head!@517


 

 

 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Does China Really Have The Largest Library In The World – 1.2 Million Books (Volumes) As The Above Photo Is Claimed To Show? And If So, So What?!

I saw the image above on Facebook Wednesday, 25 June 2025: “This is the largest library in the world. Just opened in China and has 1.2 mill...