Libraries in China have existed since the Shang dynasty (16th to 11th centuries B.C.). Since early in China's history, scholars have kept extensive private libraries, and imperial dynasties have constructed archives to house literary treasures and official records. The first modern libraries in China appeared in the late 19th century, and grew slowly and sporadically until encouraged through a combination of acts and government funding in the 20th century after the founding of the People's Republic of China. Notable libraries in China today include the National Library of China, the Shanghai Municipal Library, and Peking University Library.