Check out these 5 beautiful libraries for kids in Beijing

We all know that cultivating a love for reading in our children is important, regardless of the medium. But reading is more than just picking up a piece of literature and taking in the text. The environment you're reading in, from the types of seating to the ambiance of the space, can play a big factor in inspiring the kids and setting their imagination ablaze. With that in mind, here are 5 of the most beautiful family-friendly libraries around town to check out with the kids.  

     Chaoyang district     

Ready Reading Library 阅读奇缘亲子读书馆

Ideal for kids under 12, Ready Reading Library is China's first private children's library. This book nook is known for its extensive selection of children's books, its relaxing environment and its floor-to-ceiling windows that give guests a sprawling view of the embassy area from fifteen floors up. Designed with Japanese aesthetics in mind, the children's library uses wooden interior and large, round windows which let in a lot of natural light that helps brighten up the indoor space. 

The library also offers free reading and interactive sessions where kids can feel more engaged with the story read to them. Slots are limited, however, so book in advance.  

And when the kids tire of reading, check out the relaxing outdoor patio where kids can bike around while parents sip a coffee or two in peace.

Ready Reading Library. 阅读奇缘亲子读书馆 Fifteenth Floor, Building 1, SOHO Block 1, Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang district (5368 5569; WeChat: ReadyReading) 朝阳区光华路SOHO一期1单元15层. 9am-8pm daily. 158RMB Mon-Fri; 228-280RMB Sat-Sun, pre-booking required.

Poplar Kids Republic 蒲蒲兰绘本馆

Photo：Ruoyan

While not exactly a library per se, this children's bookshop offers a wide selection of picture books for young children ages 0-12 for sale or to borrow and read in their comfy spaces. The bookshop was also featured on an American website called Flavorwire in 2013 as one of its top 20 libraries in the world, which is understandable based on how conducive to reading the bookshop's set-up is.

Photo: Poplar Kids' Republic/WeChat

The book haven has an inviting atmosphere, with its bright, colourful walls, cheery toys hanging about and a well-organised selection of books. 

Photo：Ruoyan

Children are easily drawn to its 'rainbow stairs' and will find its colours attractive.  

Photo：Ruoyan

Poplar Kids' Republic also hosts free storytelling sessions, DIY activities and lectures, but mostly in Chinese. They offer English books for sale as well, but the vast majority is still Chinese books. For families interested in their upcoming events, stay updated by following their WeChat account.

Poplar Kids Republic Picture Book store 蒲蒲兰绘本. Rm 1362 Building 13, Jianwai Soho, 39 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang district (5869 3032; WeChat: pupulan2013) 朝阳区东三环中路39号建外Soho13号楼1362 

     Haidian     

Mohezi Hui Benguan 墨盒子绘本书馆 

Photo：Ruoyan

Mohezi is both a bookshop and a children's library in Haidian. It’s quite austere in its white space with accent colours of green. The library features a variety of picture books from around the world to introduce local children to different cultures and story styles. Books are in Chinese, in English and some bilingual. Mohezi also holds occasional film screenings for both children and adults, story-reading sessions and small exhibitions.

Photo：Ruoyan

There are several sofas around the library for children to sit comfortably and read away. But in case they get too bored, they can also head to the little studio on the second floor to do some painting. The library is best for kids ages 0-6. 

Mohezi Hui Benguan 墨盒子绘本书馆. 288 Chengfu Lu, Haidian district (8261 8538; WeChat: mohezi123) 海淀区成府路288号.1.30-8pm Mon-Tue, 10am-8pm Wed-Sun

   Daxing   

Picture-Book Fairyland 绘本乐园

This children's library is Yizhuang's largest and was specially created to help promote reading and art amongst Yizhuang children. The picture-book centre is made by the Shengtong Printing Factory and their collections are regularly updated with new books.

Photo: Picture-Book Fairyland/WeChat

The 500sqm children's library is also well-maintained and lets in a lot of light thanks to its many windows. The books are organised and categorised based on age and book type, making it easier for kids to find books by themselves. There are coloured mats by the bookshelves where children can read comfortably, which means Yizhuang kids won't have to travel all the way to central Beijing just to have their share of quality books. 

Photo：Ruoyan

Within the library is a DIY section, where children get to do arts and crafts with a teacher or play on their own. There are also lego boxes available for children to dig their hands in and create their own brick projects.

Photo: Picture-Book Fairyland/WeChat

Activities aren't just for kids. There are also occasional parent-child activities to keep both adults and kids entertained. This library is best for kids ages 1-13. 

Picture Book Fairyland 绘本乐园. North of Shengtong Yinshua, 18 Jinghai Sanlu, Yizhuang Dongqu, Daxing district (6788 7770; WeChat: huibenleyuan_2014) 大兴区亦庄东区经海三路18号盛通印刷北侧. 10am-7pm Tue-Sun. Free.   

   Huairou   

Liyuan Bookhouse 篱苑书屋

Photo: Liyuan Bookhouse/WeChat

Also known as China's most beautiful library, the elegant lakeside attraction is located out on the outskirts of Beijing and within its mountainous area, boasting a gorgeous view in a relaxing environment. The bookhouse was designed by the famous architect Li Xiaodong, who has been calling on fellow Chinese architects to help develop the countryside more sustainably (just as he had done with his award-winning project, the Liyuan Bookhouse). The walls of the library are made of wood from more than 10 kinds of local trees to allow guests to feel a closer connection with the books and to nature. Li Xiaodong's vision is for his library was for it to become part of the community and the environment.

Photo: Liyuan Bookhouse/WeChat

The eco-friendly library, unfortunately, might appeal more to older children at least 7 years old than to younger ones. The public library is dependent on book donations, and much of it is not well-organised within the library itself. But the ambience of the library is definitely worth checking out, though if you’re bringing younger children along, it might be a good idea to bring their own books.  

Photo: Liyuan Bookhouse/WeChat

Liyuan Bookhouse 篱苑书屋 Zhihui gu, Jiaojie hecun, Yanqi Zhen, Huairou district (5905 6833; WeChat: liyuanlibrary) 怀柔区雁栖镇交界河村智慧谷 8.30am-11.30, 1.30-4.30 Sat-Sun. Free; 5RMB/day for parking   

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