Core Insights - The Beijing City Library has introduced an immersive reading and knowledge-sharing experience through the use of AI and digital avatars, including a digital representation of the famous writer Lu Xun [1][2] - The library aims to create a "digital universe" where readers can interact with digital personas and explore various thematic areas within the library [3] Group 1: Digital Innovation in Libraries - The library features a digital avatar of Lu Xun, who historically contributed to the founding of the library's predecessor, providing guidance and recommendations to visitors [1][2] - The design team faced challenges in creating a realistic digital persona of Lu Xun, focusing on his characteristics and historical context to enhance authenticity [2] Group 2: User Engagement and Interaction - Since its opening at the end of 2023, the digital avatars have engaged in over 1.7 million voice conversations with library visitors, showcasing their popularity and effectiveness in stimulating interest in reading [2] - Readers can create their own digital avatars and interact with others in a virtual space, enhancing social engagement and knowledge sharing [3] Group 3: Future Developments - The library plans to develop an online version of the metaverse library, allowing users to access a virtual library anytime and explore a wide range of knowledge [3] - The initiative aims to combine traditional reading with advanced technology, creating a multi-sensory immersive reading environment to foster a love for reading and knowledge exploration [3]

Core Insights - The article discusses how digital technology empowers the Beijing City Library, creating an immersive reading space for visitors through the integration of AI and the metaverse [1] Group 1: Digital Technology Integration - The Beijing City Library features a metaverse experience center that allows readers to engage with digital representations of literary figures, such as "AI Lu Xun," who recommends books and shares insights on local culture and tourism [1] - Readers can create their own digital avatars to interact with digital personas like "Tutu" and "2122," enhancing the exploration of knowledge [1] Group 2: Cultural and Educational Impact - The initiative aims to make reading more engaging and accessible, combining entertainment with education in a modern library setting [1] - The project reflects a broader trend of utilizing digital tools to enrich public library services and attract a diverse audience [1]

Core Insights - Beijing Urban Library has won three international awards, including the Vega Digital Awards, A'Design Award, and iF Design Award, bringing its total to seven international honors [1][8] - The library's Metaverse Experience Hall utilizes advanced technologies such as AI, deep learning, and VR/AR to create immersive reading and learning environments [1][2] - The library's data visualization system integrates digital twin technology and real-time rendering to transform physical spaces into immersive 3D digital environments [2] Group 1: Awards and Recognition - The Metaverse Experience Hall won the Best Interactive Gold Award at the 2025 Vega Digital Awards, while the data visualization system received the Platinum Award at the 2024-2025 A'Design Award [1] - The library has also been recognized with the 2024 IFLA Public Library Award and the 2024 DFA Design for Asia Awards [8] - It was selected as the "Most Anticipated Public Library" by TIME magazine in 2025, marking it as the first cultural landmark in Beijing to receive this honor [8] Group 2: Technological Innovations - The Metaverse Experience Hall allows users to create personalized virtual avatars and interact with others, breaking down barriers between online and offline experiences [1] - The data visualization system features an 18-meter wide and 3-meter high interactive screen, enabling comprehensive management and immersive navigation [2] - The library's "Reading Garden" for children promotes lifelong reading through an interactive digital garden concept, which won the second prize at the 2025 IFLA PressReader International Marketing Award [5][7] Group 3: Cultural Initiatives - The "Printmaking Axis" exhibition, which won the iF Design Award, showcases the historical significance of Beijing's central axis through printmaking [2][5] - The library has hosted over 5,000 cultural events, with more than 26.57 million participants both online and offline, and a total of 4.79 million visitors [8]