Take a book, pass it on

A grassroots library in Beijing invites readers to take books freely and pass them on, spreading knowledge far beyond its walls.

Last week, Alvaro Vera Cordovez, a 29-year-old Chilean student at the University of International Business and Economics, visited a unique library in Beijing.

Unlike traditional libraries that require memberships and set time limits for book returns, the "Civilian Mobile Library" Cordovez explored offers books completely free of charge — and without the expectation that they be returned. Readers are invited to take one book every 15 days and are encouraged to pass it on to someone else once they've finished reading.

"I really liked the concept it offers," said Cordovez.