On October 20th, the "2025 Advanced Training Program on Public Library Service and Innovation & Ningbo Public Library Professional Skills Competition," jointly organized by Ningbo Library and the Ningbo Society for Library Science, was officially launched. This three-day event focused on innovation in public library services and the enhancement of librarians' professional capabilities. It attracted key staff from across the city's public library system, aiming to comprehensively improve librarians' overall competence through a dual-track approach of "professional training + skills competition," strengthen talent cultivation, and promote the high-quality development of Ningbo's public library sector.

At the opening ceremony, Xu Yibo, Director of Ningbo Library, delivered a motivational speech. He emphasized that this event was a key initiative to invigorate the library talent pool and solidify the talent foundation, while also providing librarians with a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from industry leaders and experts. He encouraged all participants to focus on "learning skills, delving into professional work, and strengthening capabilities," and to translate their learning outcomes into professional and service effectiveness. This would not only enhance their own professional but also better meet the citizens' growing and diverse reading needs.

The training program featured lectures by several leading domestic library science scholars and industry experts. The curriculum covered core topics such as reading promotion, high-quality development, and smart library innovation, balancing theoretical depth with practical guidance. Professor Fan Bingsi from East China Normal University analyzed the "Theory and Methods of Children's Reading Promotion in Libraries," closely linking it to child cognition and reading psychology. Professor Xu Yan from Nanjing University discussed the "Theory and Practice of Healing Reading Promotion," exploring the unique value and application of reading in mental health services. Director Chen Jun from Nanjing Library systematically elaborated on the essential elements and practical directions for the high-quality development of public libraries from an academic perspective. Professor Xu Jianhua from Nankai University highlighted the crucial supporting role of e-resource system construction for the high-quality development of libraries. Hao Qianpeng, Product Director from Super Star Group, and Dr. Li Yang from Hangzhou Dianzi University shared insights on "AI-Enabled Smart Innovation in Libraries" and "Enhancing Librarian Work Efficiency with Generative AI," respectively, showcasing cutting-edge trends in technology-driven service transformation. Director Luo Ping from Wuhan Library introduced the experience of Wuhan's City Study Rooms from the perspective of the "Nearby" concept. Professor Jin Wugang from East China Normal University and Research Librarian Jin Xiaoming, Editorial Board Member of Library Journal, focused on "Legal Requirements for Library Services" and "Writing Library and Information Work Case Studies," respectively, aiming to strengthen librarians' awareness of standards and their academic expression skills.

To reinforce the training effectiveness, the event also included two professional skill test segments: "Book Retrieval Race" and "Knowledge Contest." The "Book Retrieval Race" tested librarians' ability to respond quickly and locate items accurately in a practical scenario. The "Knowledge Contest" covered foundational library science, service standards, digital resource applications, and more, comprehensively assessing participants' theoretical knowledge and professional proficiency.

After two rounds of competition, fifteen contestants stood out and received the "Outstanding Performer Award" in the 2025 Ningbo Public Library Professional Skills Competition. Tu Huihui from Ningbo Library (Ningbo Children's Library) claimed first place and will be recommended for the Ningbo Municipal "Technical Expert" award.