Dear colleagues,

It is almost a year since we all met in Chengdu for our UK China Library Forum. It was a privilege to share learnings with you all then, and the sessions have given us much to reflect on. 

We have, of course, been following recent events following the COVID19 outbreak, and—on behalf of all my colleagues at the British Library, and especially my colleagues who were fortunate enough to accompany me to Chengdu—I wanted to pass on our best wishes to you all at this time. We understand that usual Library operations are, in many cases, now more challenging; but I also know that now, more than ever, the vital work of libraries, and especially their digital reach, will be valued and needed more than ever by your users, and that you will be making all efforts to support them to the maximum.

We hope very much that normal service will resume soon, and look forward to seeing many of you in the UK later this year.

With best wishes from the British Library, and all of our UK library partners.

Liz Jolly

Message From Phil Spence - British Library

Dear Director Chen,

I hope that this email finds you well.

Following up on Liz's email I want to pass on my best wishes to you. The British Library have been following closely what’s happening in China since the outbreak of COVID-19. I understand that the impact is immense on both personal and professional levels, and it must be a very difficult time for you and your colleagues.

It is inspiring to see that Shanghai Library, amongst other libraries across China, has been scaling up your digital services to the public with high spirits during this challenging time. I believe that China will soon turn the corner and get up and running again. 

Our thoughts are with you, and we look forward to visiting you again soon in Shanghai when normality returns.

Kind Regards

Phil