Rare books and special collections from the National Library of China will be exhibited in the New York Queens Library from December 9 to March 15 next year and at the Los Angeles Public Library from April 15 to June 25.

Eighty-one items from the Library include rare books, manuscripts, maps and atlases, pictorial rubbings and ethnic minority books. Special collections include oracle bone inscriptions from the Shang Dynasty (C.16001100 B.C.), Dunhuang literature, and rare books collected by the imperial libraries since the early Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 A.D.)

Sherman Tang, director of the New York Queens Library said they will hold some symposiums attended by well known sinologists and artists. A catalogue and guide will be publish.

Tang said it was the first time for the two libraries to hold such big event since they signed an exchange agreement in 1997.

"I think the exhibition will be a great success in the States and arouse enormous public interest in Chinese culture." the Chinese American director added.