The Public Libraries Law was promulgated in 2017 and amended in 2018 respectively. The latest revision entered into force on October 26, 2018.

There are 55 articles in total.

The key points are as follows:

1.The “public libraries” means the public cultural facilities that are open to the public free of charge, that collect, review and preserve literature information, that provide searching, lending and relevant services, and that conduct social education.

2.The state shall encourage citizens, legal persons and other organizations to grant donation to public libraries according to the law and grant tax preference thereto according to the law. Overseas natural persons, legal persons and other organizations may, according to the provisions of the relevant laws and administrative regulations, participate in the construction of public libraries within the territory of China through donations.

3.The governments at or above the county level shall form public libraries.

4.Public libraries formed by citizens, legal persons and other organizations may name public libraries, rooms of public libraries, or other facilities after the names or designations of donors.

5.Public libraries shall provide services to the public under the requirements of equality, openness and sharing. Public libraries shall provide the services to the public free of charge.