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 provide additional education opportunities. We believe that a well-educated Chinese mass helps world peace.

Q2. How are Jianhua libraries funded?

Currently CEC funds each library with a total of $6,000 in three years. 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. Each newly established library is also equipped with two computers with internet connection. The local government must provide the library structure, furnishings and staffing, as well as agreeing to be responsible for all permanent sustaining cost even after CEC's funding assistance to the library completes in three years. (for details see Sample Agreement.)

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

Zero, because all CEC staffs are volunteers. CEC's office expenses are covered by bank interests adequately.

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 24 regional liaisons. They work on the details of implementation under the leadership of CEC's Chief Representative in China, Yong Xia, who is a prominent university librarian 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?

In China, CEC has two teams of Ambassadors who make periodic visits to these libraries checking progress and seeking input. From the U.S., CEC members have visited Jianhua libraries in China--always tagging along with their own business or private trips. 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 three year initial CEC support is over. Hence one of our major selection criteria is the long term commitment to public library service from the local government. Currently CEC has 24 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? Any formal contracts?

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. Upon approval, a formal contract with the local government is signed. The site is then placed on a waiting list. Once the funding is secured, and the local preparation (with its personnel and physical infrastructure) for the library is ready, CEC's first year funding will then be transferred. Often, a ceremony on the opening day is held for publicity.