Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) leader Li Changchun called upon libraries across the country to provide convenient services for readers in urban and rural areas and develop themselves in the "best time for cultural construction".

Li made the remarks at a ceremony to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Library of China (NLC).

"Currently our country is in the best time for cultural construction... All libraries should give the highest priority to social benefits and provide convenient services for people in both urban and rural areas," said Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau.

"Libraries are an important part of infrastructure for public services and they indicate the progress of social civilization," he added.

On behalf of the Party and the central government, Li expressed gratitude to all staff at the NLC and library workers across the country.

The national library originated on September 9, 1909, when the government of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) authorized preparations for constructing the Capital Library.

The library is recognized as the third largest library in the world.

(Xinhua News Agency September 10, 2009)