In the Yinghai (Inghai) district there are 15 wooden bookshelves - small swap houses called "Water Drifted Book Boxes" that have served as places to rest, read and volunteer for seven years.
Each of the houses hides books that passers-by can read while stopping on a bench. The bookshelves are looked after by a team of volunteers from the communitywho regularly clean, replenish and care for their condition.
Books donated by residents temporarily become part of the book box and after a year go to special schools. Maintenance is organised through WeChat groupwhere volunteers divide tasks according to time.
Active volunteers include siblings Wang Xiaopeng and Wang Xiaotongwho keep the same box for several years - from childhood to adolescence. This family story shows how bookcases strengthen accountability and community belonging.
These unassuming little houses have become a living symbol of humanity and continuity - Even though people change, bookcases and their meaning remain.
CMG
English 
Czech 
Spanish 
French 
Italian 
Russian 
Chinese 
German