Jinan's "YEAH returners" night school, launched by the Jinan Library, has become a popular evening learning program, enriching the city's after-work cultural life with a wide range of courses tailored to different interests and learning goals.

Launched in December 2023, the night school is the first of its kind in China to be established by a public library. In less than three years, it has developed into a lasting cultural platform, with more than 220 courses attracting over 270,000 registrants. Courses include public speaking, mobile photography, coffee appreciation, and pickleball.

The program now operates at more than 60 locations across Jinan, including the Jinan Library, Quancheng Study, residential communities and commercial areas, making quality cultural services available within a 15-minute walk of residents' homes.

Before launching its 2026 summer courses, the program collected nearly 1,000 suggestions through surveys, community discussions, and follow-up interviews with previous participants. Based on these insights, it introduced new courses such as artificial intelligence animation production for professionals, tai chi fan classes for seniors, and family-friendly woodworking and ocean-themed handicraft workshops.

Jinan's "YEAH returners" night school emerges as a popular evening learning program, enriching the city's after-work cultural life. [Photo/The New Times]