Among the other candidates on the short list of the 2021 “Discover Rural Reading Role Models” recently announced, is Chen Mulan, the founder of the Island Bookstore in Bailizhou Town, Zhijiang City. This paper has first reported her story.

　　Born in 1986, Chen Mulan,a native of Bailizhou,has startedher career in coastal cities.She returned to her hometown andopenedIsland Bookstorethere, the first of its kind in the Zhijiang City when having raised 160,000 yuanin 2019. For more thantwo years, the 150-square-metre bookshop has been open on time forfreeborrowingevery day, and has received more than 20,000 visits. In addition, she has held more than 30 readingexchangesessions, plus free calligraphy, painting,handcraftand other activities from time to time.

　　Organized by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,and the National Rural Revitalization Bureau, the event “Discover Rural Reading Role Models”has received responses from all walks of life since it was launched in May this year. A total of 18 people has been shortlisted for the public announcement after being recommended and assessed by various regions.