Book club is a way of life for Songyunshui citizens

Songyunshui Residence Book Club in Songjiang is doing its bit in creating a friendly neighborhood and better managing in the community.

The club was founded in 2013 with 10 people. Now it has 40 members from all different walks of life, but they gather together for common interests.

A special bond

The club members share what they have read in a variety of topics, as well as taking part in heated issues of the day in society, economy and politics, every two weeks.

Members have developed such a special bond that since the book club began that many return to the club for comradeship despite moving away from the area.

One member, surnamed Zhang, who is already over 90 years old and no longer lives in the residence, said that he felt that this was where he spiritually belonged and it helped keep him young in mind.

Club manager Jin Jumei worked at Donghua University before retirement. Her husband, also a teacher in the same university, donated 15,000 yuan (US$2,276.25) of his intellectual property reward as the club’s fund.

Every member has a role to play in sustaining and developing the club.

Du Yanyan, a worker at the neighborhood committee, helped the senior members to gain some computer skills.

Besides sharing a love of reading, the members also volunteer in activities such as blood donating, community cleaning and several others.

“The committee has been supportive to our club,” Jin said, “and it is just right for us to do our share.” The club’s advice has been referred to in the committee’s actions like cleaning illegal house renting and security maintaining.