 In response, on 2 May 1909, the Qing Ministry of Education (Xuebu ) announced plans to open libraries in every province of the country.On 9 September 1909, Zhang Zhidong, a long-time leader of the Self-Strengthening movement who had been viceroy of Huguang and was now serving on the powerful Grand Council, memorialized to request the foundation of a library in China's capital.Foundation of the library was approved by imperial edict that same day.