In May, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) announced the list of winners for the 2025 IFLA International Marketing Award. Ningbo Library's "Listen to the Sound of Books" project, under the "Tianyi Reading Assistance" program brand, stood out from nearly 100 entries worldwide and secured third place.

The "Listen to the Sound of Books" project was favored and recognized by the judges for its outstanding performance in accessibility, innovation, and cultural exchange. The judges highlighted that the project enables more people to enjoy reading through listening, enriches the diversity of reading experiences, eliminates usage barriers, increases participation, and expands the library's service coverage.

Established by the IFLA in 2002, the IFLA International Marketing Award is one of the most authoritative awards in the international library community. It has a significant influence and a wide participation range, aiming to recognize creative and result - oriented marketing projects excellent, practices, and various initiatives globally.

The "Listen to the Sound of Books" project is an accessible reading service project launched by Ningbo Library specifically for the visually impaired. It aims to break the traditional perception of libraries among the visually impaired through a series oflistening "" - based check - in activities. This initiative encourages visually impaired individuals who have never visited or utilized library services to enter libraries, get to know them, and experience library services. Meanwhile, it also showcases the library's diverse and inclusive reading services to regular readers. All activities under this project are free for visually impaired readers, with no fees required.

The project comprises six activities: "Listen to a Library", "Listen to a Lecture", "Listen to an Opera", "Listen to a Movie", "Listen to a Book", and "Listen to an Exhibition". Visually impaired individuals must participate in the "Listen to a Library" activity and then choose at least one of the remaining five activities to complete a check - in, after which they will receive a commemorative gift.

All activities combine offline experiences with online live streaming, breaking the venue limitations for visually impaired individuals to participate in activities and enabling them to " virtually tour" the library. This project not only enriches the spiritual and cultural life of the visually impaired but also demonstrates the library's care and inclusiveness for special groups. It highlights the unique value of libraries as platforms for cultural dissemination and innovation, inspiring more libraries to provide accessible services for the visually impaired.

Throughout the project, seven reading promotion activities were conducted, attracting a large number of visually impaired readers. A total of over 2,200 visually impaired individuals benefited from the project, with 75% of them being readers who had never visited or utilized library services before. Four hundred and forty - five users completed the check - in process.

During the project period, multiple media outlets reported on the activities, such as the Yongpai APP, 81890 Service Network, and Ningbo Municipal Disabled Persons' Federation. The media coverage reached over 77,000 clicks. The project has raised public awareness of the cultural needs of the visually impaired community and promoted the concept of accessible reading.

In 2008, Ningbo Library established the city's first public multi - functional Braille reading room. Currently, the Fuqing Branch, Yongfeng Branch, and Children's Branch all have independent areas dedicated to serving the visually impaired. With the mission of providing humanized reading and accessible services, the library is equipped with over 3,000 volumes of literature suitable for visually impaired readers. Various "reading" devices are available, including one - button intelligent reading devices, smart audio book players, Braille computers, and reading magnifiers, enabling visually impaired readers to enjoy books barrier - free.

In May 2022, Ningbo Library launched the "Tianyi Reading Assistance" reading brand for people with disabilities. This brand organizes  nearly60 activities annually on average. Adhering to the mission of public welfare cultural services, it relies on the library's high - quality reading resources to provide excellent reading services for people with disabilities through a combination of online and offline, in - library and out - of - library approaches. By offering a series of activities such as accessible movie appreciation, online audiobook recommendations, and smartphone training, as well as various large - scale theme days, the brand ensures the equal participation and shared access to public cultural services for people with disabilities. It enriches their cultural lives, enhances their reading experience and efficiency, and provides them with reading opportunities and platforms, opening a window to a "colorful world of reading".