From a Stilt House to a Lifeline

Abstract

“Jiayue’ s Rural Library” is established in 2021 in a remote mountain village in Enshi, China. The project transformed a traditional wooden house into a free, community-oriented library with over 8,000 donated books and diverse reading and activity programs.

What makes this case stand out is its role in supporting “left-behind children”----those growing up without their parents, who work far away in cities. For many of these children, the library is more than a place to read. It is a place to stay after school, to be accompanied, and to slowly build confidence through books and shared activities.

At the same time, the space brings together different generations. Elderly villagers come for help and conversation, while volunteers join and become part of the community.

Despite limited funding and accessibility challenges, the library continues to run through volunteer networks and social support. It shows how a small and simple space can grow into something that supports children, reconnects people, and holds a community together, offering valuable insights for similar underserved communities worldwide.