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Research on the Evolutionary Path of Private Libraries in Yangjiang

Author(s)

Dandan Chen1, Gaoliang Tan2,*, Weihong Zhang2,*

Affiliation(s)

1Library of Yangjiang Polytechnic, Yangjiang, Guangdong, China 2Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

Chinese libraries have undergone a functional transformation from book collection to utilization, and Yangjiang Library in Guangdong is no exception. Until the early years of the Republic of China, Xiaoze Liang, a cultural celebrity in Yangjiang, founded a private library named "Yangjiang Library" with his private collection. This paper mainly explores the transformation and development of Yangjiang's "Xiaoze Library". Originally named "Yangjiang Library", it was successively renamed as "Xiaoze Library", "Yangjiang County Library", and "Xiaoze Ancient Books Department", among others. Through a review of Yangjiang Library during the Republic of China period, it is hoped to provide rich reference materials for local library construction and better inherit local culture.

Keywords

Xiaoze Liang; Yangjiang Library; Xiaoze Library; Xiaoze Ancient Books Department

References

[1] Fangdu Liang. "A Narrative of Mr. Xiaoze". Yangjiang Literary and Historical Materials, 1987(02): 14-18. [2] Guanxi Liang. "Record of Yangjiang Library". Yangjiang Literary and Historical Materials, 1985(1-2): 48-49. [3] Fangdu Liang. "A Brief Account of Mr. Liang Shaotong". Sheyou, 1934(44): 5-6. [4] Yangjiang County Annals Office. "Atrocities of Japanese Fascists’ Invasion of Yangjiang". Yangjiang Literary and Historical Materials, 1985(03): 1-6. [5] Yangjiang County Annals Office. "Introduction to Yangjiang ‘Xiaoze Library’". Yangjiang Literary and Historical Materials, 1985(1-2): 53-54. [6] Ming Xie. Xiaoze Library: Tales of Tuocheng. Internal Materials, 2022: 115-117. [7] Compilation Committee of Yangjiang City Annals. Annals of Yangjiang County. Guangzhou: Guangdong People's Publishing House, 2000: 903. [8] Hexin Xu. "Yangjiang City Library Establishes ‘Xiaoze Ancient Books Department’". Journal of Guangdong Library Science, 1990(02): 38. [9] Hui He. "Folk Cultural Forces in Yangjiang: The Centennial Vicissitudes of Xiaoze Library (Part I)". Yangjiang Radio and Television Station, October 8, 2023. [10] Weiguo Pan and Hui He. "Folk Cultural Forces in Yangjiang: The Centennial Vicissitudes of Xiaoze Library (Part II)". Yangjiang Radio and Television Station, October 21, 2023. [11] Xiaoze Library is listed in the historical buildings of Yangjiang City. Guangdong Yangjiang Municipal Government Website, 2025-12-24.http://www.yangjiang.gov.cn/zwgk/zfgb/2025n/dseq/sfwj/content/post_921822.html [12]Meixiang Feng. This "mysterious" old mansion in the urban area hides a stirring and heart-wrenching legendary story. Yangjiang Daily, 2021-11-14. [13]Yuping Zeng. Cultural and educational prosperity brings forth many talents; the coastal region, known as the cradle of Confucius and Mencius, is filled with elegance and prosperity. Yangjiang Daily, 2025-8-11.