At the recently concluded 2026 Shanghai Book Fair, Pudong New Area took reading beyond traditional venues. Three large-scale book swap events were launched at the same time at local malls, extending the fair's reach into everyday community spaces.

People select books at the event. [Photo/WeChat ID: pdnews]

At Huizhi Life Center in Zhangjiang town, around 10,000 secondhand books spanning literature, children's picture books, social sciences and history, as well as lifestyle and popular science were put on display. 

Visitors could exchange three eligible used books for one secondhand book under 40 yuan ($5.9) or make their purchase at a 62 percent discount. Located close to research institutions and tech companies, the venue emerged as a popular spot for office workers and researchers nearby to browse books during their lunch breaks.

Jiujin Plaza in Jinyang New Village subdistrict, on the other hand, has partnered with the Pudong Library Children's Branch on its upper floors, drawing a steady stream of families and boosting parent-and-child spending at the mall. During the swap event, even more people went there to exchange their idle books for new reads.

The swap event at Hengyue Rongxin Plaza in Caolu town proved to be remarkably lively, with many people stopping by after dinner. A wide range of books were available for readers of all ages – from large-print editions for elderly people to storybooks for kids. 

While the main book ended on Aug 18, the swap events at Jiujin Plaza and Huizhi Life Center continued till Aug 25. 

The book fair may have come an end, but the passion for reading lingers. As part of its efforts to make reading more accessible in everyday life, Pudong is expanding its network of 24-hour self-service library kiosks, with one-third located inside shopping malls.