Garbage station renovated into bookstore in Quzhou

The bookstore renovated from a waste transfer station in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A waste transfer station in a sub district in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province has been renovated into a bookstore, making it a community focal point for local residents, according to local media reports.

The waste transfer station was shut down in 2014 for its loud noise and smelly odour, according to Xu Yun, director of Xinxin sub district.

Xu said that considering many residents live around here and there is a huge demand for bookstores, the sub district decided to build one at the obsolete waste transfer station.

The two layer bookstore houses more than 8,000 books available to borrow in its 150-square meters space, including science fiction, literature, historical and picture books, all of which will be updated regularly.

There is a children's reading zone on its first floor where wooden bookshelves feature pictures and fairy tale books, creating an ambient reading atmosphere.

The bookstore is part of the Quzhou Municipal Government's Nankong 24-hour Self-service Bookstore project, one of the 10 projects benefiting local residents. The government plans to establish 17 Nankong Bookstores in the city and the first batch was opened to the public recently. 

Local residents read books at the newly-built Nankong 24-hour Self-service Bookstore in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]