The idea that "knowledge is wealth" is not a new one. However, this idea is being put into use in a creative way in public libraries across Japan. In 2010, the country's public library, Shimonoseki City Library in Yamaguchi Prefecture first carried out "reading bankbooks(存折)"in order to encourage people to read more.
In each reading bankbook, the titles of the books that people have read are listed. The dates when the books are borrowed and are supposed to return are also included. Besides, the price of each book readers have read is also listed. This emphasizes(强调)the idea that knowledge is valuable. It also gives readers a sense of achievement for what they have read for free.
The Shimonoseki City Library developed "reading bankbooks" with Uchida Yoko, a company that sells teaching tools. Since it first came out in 2010, the idea has become very popular. Today, it is also used in some primary and junior high schools as well. With reading bankbooks, people can put a price on knowledge.
①The dates when the books are borrowed.
②The titles of the books that people have read.
③The price that people should pay for the book
④The dates when the books are supposed to return.