Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why was the rural library program started?

Majority of the Chinese population reside in rural areas where education often stops at middle schools. CEC sets up public libraries, called Jianhua Libraries in rural China to promote reading & learning among general publics. We believe that a well read and broadly informed Chinese mass helps world peace.

Q2. How are Jianhua libraries funded?

CEC funds each library with a total of $6,000 for the acquisition of library materials. Funds are generated by donations from individuals and corporations.

Q3. Do donors have the naming right?

Any individual, or group of individuals, donating a lump sum of $6,000 may name a Jianhua library in honor of someone. An inscribed plaque of acknowledgement is to be permanently displayed in the library. (For details contact CEC, or see How to adopt a Jianhua Library.)

Q4. $6,000 is not a lot of money. Is it enough to build and run a public library?

CEC donations are used solely for book purchases and magazine subscriptions. The local government must provide the library structure, furnishings and staffing, as well as agreeing to perpetually sustain the library and provide library service (for details see Sample Agreement.)

Q5. What percentage of the donations is used for CEC administrative costs?

Zero, because all CEC staffs are volunteers who also contribute to CEC's office expenses.

Q6. Who are the people working behind the scene?

In the U.S., CEC members are Chinese American professionals (mostly in California). For frontline execution in China, CEC has developed an energetic voluntary workforce of 15

regional liaisons. They work on the details of implementation under the leadership of CEC's Chief Representative in China, Yong Xia, who served as the Head Librarian at Zhejiang University before retirement and is highly respected in the library profession in China.

Q7. Do CEC's members travel to/in China, and how are the travel expenses covered?

CEC members often attend opening ceremonies of newly granted Jianhua libraries as well as visit established Jianhua libraries in the vicinity. All costs of site visits are paid by CEC members themselves.

Q8. China is so huge and most rural communities do not have any library. How do you select the site for a Jianhua Library?

Locating a suitable library site is indeed a major task. The local government of the prospective library site is expected to permanently sustain the library once the CEC grant is exhausted. Hence one of our major selection criteria is the long term commitment to library service from the local government. Currently CEC has 10+ regional liaisons all over China. Each liaison first identifies rural communities in need of a public library, then he/she inspects the potential library site, discusses with local government officials on their fiscal & personnel commitment to establishing a free public library in that community. The local government must submit official library application. The liaison in charge submits independent evaluation. (For details see JL Eligibility)

Q9. How are Jianhua libraries opened? Is there a formal contract?

CEC selects the library site after reviewing its liaison's recommendation carefully and getting a second opinion from CEC's China Chief Representative Yong Xia. After the application is accepted/approved, the site is placed on a waiting list. Once the funding is secured, and the local preparation including plaque inscription, staffing, furniture/bookshelves setup, and book selection/acquisition for the library is ready, CEC's initial funding of $3,000 will be disbursed. An opening ceremony is then arranged jointly by the regional liaison and the local government for publicity. As often as possible, one or more CEC members try to attend open ceremonies.

Q10. How are Jianhua libraries monitored?

As stipulated in the agreement, each Jianhua library is required to submit a yearly standardized formal report containing descriptions/statistics which reflect/describe actual management and operation of the library. The library can request/apply and be granted for the second installment of $3,000 after submitting reports for at least two full years of satisfactory library operation. The regional liaison in charge can and do visit library sites as often as possible for observation and inspection.