Beijing E-Town initiated the application process for the 2023 Physical Bookstore Development Incentive and Public Reading Space Support Project this April. 

After stages such as collection and review, the Publicity and Culture Department of the Beijing E-Town Working Committee announced the results on June 25.

Among them, nine entities including Beijing Yizhuang Shengyuan Investment and Development Group Co received awards for physical bookstore development, and 25 entities with 50 reading spaces, including Little Giant Reading Space, received support.

Brick-and-mortar bookstores are the spiritual landmarks of modern cities. 

The entrance to the Weilan brick-and-mortar bookstore [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

Beijing E-Town encourages physical bookstores to innovate and engage in diversified operations in the park, communities, commercial complexes, and other public places focusing on the leading industries of Beijing E-Town and the development characteristics of E-Town New Area. 

This includes enhancing comprehensive cultural scene construction and optimizing public reading service. Eligible bookstores receive financial support for new store constructions, specialized operations, distinctive models, and existing development. 

Bookstores that meet certain requirements for organizing reading promotion events and serving a specific number of people can receive an annual maximum reward of 50,000 yuan ($6,963.25). 

Depending on the actual rent or property fees paid, each bookstore can receive a cost incentive of up to 200,000 yuan. Since the policy was introduced, the Weilan Bookstore located in the AVIC Tech Plaza has received relevant financial support for the third time.

In recent years, numerous small yet exquisite public reading spaces have brought high-quality reading to the doorsteps of community residents and the surroundings of corporate employees. 

Beijing E-Town assesses public reading spaces that have been operational for one year or more based on criteria such as opening hours, total number of books, and activity management. 

The reading space in the Liangshuihe Park [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

After passing the assessment, these spaces can receive one-time financial rewards ranging from 20,000 to 80,000 yuan for activities such as promoting widespread reading and updating book collections. 

With the establishment of warm and dreamy picture book rooms, elegant libraries, and 15 drifting book boxes distributed throughout the community, communities in Beijing E-Town have provided readers with a tranquil and enjoyable reading haven.