On August 20, 2025, in Astana, Kazakhstan, at the 89th IFLA World Library and Information Conference (WLIC 2025), which is highly anticipated by the global library community, the Ningbo Library was invited to showcase its innovative project, the "Listen to the Sound of Books" under the "Tianyi Reading Assistance" program brand, which won the third place in the 2025 IFLA International Marketing Award.

The conference was filled with enthusiasm as library experts from around the world gathered to explore the future development and innovative practices of libraries.

Xu Yibo, the director of Ningbo Library, delivered a speech on behalf of the award recipients. He briefly introduced Ningbo, a city of historical and cultural significance as well as a coastal metropolis of economic development. He also demonstrated the achievements the Ningbo Library has made in innovative services in recent years, such as the "Tianyi Book Appointment" project in 2019 winning the International Marketing Award, being shortlisted for the Library of the Year Award in 2021, and the "New Life from Old Bottles" project making it to the longlist of the Green Library Award in 2025. Subsequently, he elaborated on the core concept and technical support of the "Listen to the Sound of Books" project. This project enables more people to enjoy reading through listening, enriches the diversity of reading experiences, eliminates usage barriers, increases participation, and expands the coverage of library services. The innovation of the project has brought many visually impaired individuals, who had never visited or experienced library services before, into libraries to get acquainted with and experience library services. At the same time, it has also showcased to general readers the diverse and inclusive reading services offered by libraries.

After the speech, the Ningbo Library presented a 3-minute video to the attendees, showcasing the practical application scenarios and social benefits of the "Listen to the Sound of Books" project. Every guest present was deeply moved.

The successful presentation of the "Listen to the Sound of Books" project is not only a reflection of the strength of the Ningbo Library but also a microcosm of the innovative development of public libraries in China. It proves to the world the efforts and achievements of the Chinese library community in promoting reading, cultural heritage, and innovation.

Participating in the 89th IFLA World Library and Information Conference, the Ningbo Library not only showcased its unique features and advantages to the world but also engaged in in-depth discussions with global library experts on collaborations in areas such as marketing strategies and cultural communication. This further enhanced the international influence of the Ningbo Library. In the future, the Ningbo Library will continue to embrace the city spirit of "Storing ancient and modern books, connecting ports across the world," and keep exploring innovations to let the world hear more voices from Chinese libraries.