A young rural headmistress who transferred old books on her tricycle to build a reading room for her school children, has moved many netizens, according to Thursday's Guangzhou Daily.

27-year-old Li Ling, founded a 'Hope' primary school, offering free tuition to over 300 students, in her hometown of Zhoukou in central China's Henan province when she graduated in 2002. As principal of the school, Li owes eighty thousand yuan (around US$11,500). However, Li had a dream to build a reading room for the students herself, when she discovered the school couldn't afford it.

Early in June, Li came to Zhengzhou, capital city of Henan Province and rode a tricycle around the city searching for old books. Under the scorching sun, she worked tirelessly and ate only two sesame cakes every meal.

Li's story, which was posted on the internet by a witness several days ago, moved netizens, who praised her as the most beautiful young rural headmistress, with some even recommending her as nominee for 'Moving China 2009' (a famous annual award in China). Moreover, netizens also proposed to donate books to Li's cause.

Since Li's story was covered by the media, Li has received more than ten thousand donated books from many areas of society, according to the Dahe.cn.

(CRIENGLISH.com July 2, 2009)