"2036 Library," a library-themed AI short drama co-produced by Yantian Library and Jinling Library, was officially released during a national seminar on science reading promotion held in Nanjing from Sept. 2 to 5.

The 23-episode short drama is an effort to use a popular form of entertainment to encourage more people to borrow books and read in libraries.

Set in a public library in Haicheng City in the year 2036, the drama illustrates how technologies such as artificial intelligence, holography, and virtual reality and augmented reality can completely transform reading experiences.

Jiao Xiang, head of Jinling Library, and Han Shanshan, deputy director of the Yantian District Administration of Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports, unveil the short drama "2036 Library" in Nanjing on Sept. 3.

In the future library, a young child who barely knows how to read finds the joy of reading under the guidance of an AI intelligent agent librarian; a young person who has failed to find a job discovers what has hindered his career and receives advice through an interactive reading session in the library; a blind person who has never traveled far drives to the grassland in a "reading experience pod"; and an elderly person who has lost his spouse rediscovers the courage to embrace life through a novel "digital healing" experience.

The library serves readers of all ages, and everyone finds a sense of belonging in reading.

The drama showcases the diverse services future public libraries may provide, through a warm narrative of human-machine collaboration and technology for good.

Nanjing, where Jinling Library is located, is China's only "World Capital of Literature," and its profound cultural heritage provided inspiration for the script.

Yantian Library, meanwhile, also provided references for the scenes in the drama based on its past interactions with readers.

Data shows that in China, 851 million monthly active users watch short dramas, with average daily usage exceeding 129 minutes per person. More than 30,000 short dramas were released in 2025, while in the first half of 2026 alone, that number had already exceeded 360,000.

"2036 Library" is available for free on Douyin, Hongguo Short Drama, and the WeChat Channels of Jinling Library and Yantian Library.