When was the last time you read a book? Flipping through pages, tapping on an e-reader, or scrolling on your phone, you are immersed in a dimension of personal thoughts and sentiments, unconsciously forging a connection to the other or the collective. French literary theorist Roland Barthes (1915 – 1980) introduced the concept of The Death of the Author, arguing that a text’s meaning is not dictated by the author’s intentions but is instead shaped by the reader’s interpretation and emphasizing the text’s independence. Whether you project your experiences and ideologies onto the text or engage your ability to reason and feel, reading is a process of communicating with yourself, and a mirror reflecting your thoughts and beliefs.
What we bring to a book shape what we take from it, as who we are determines how we understand it. Do you recall the thrill of encountering a book that speaks to your soul and mind? The excitement of discovering a favourite book is a cherished moment of many readers— scanning through lines of text, exploring unknown worlds, and connecting with stories that resonate deeply.
World Reading Day is the perfect opportunity to rekindle that joy. Celebrated annually on April 23, the World Reading Day is a global tribute to the joy of books and reading. Established by UNESCO in 1995, this special day holds symbolic significance in literary history, commemorates the passing of iconic writers such as William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616) and Miguel de Cervantes (1547 – 1616). It highlights the timeless power of books as bridges between generations and cultures and promotes the importance of preserving literature.
To celebrate this day, HKUST is hosting a Library Treasure Hunt, inviting everyone to relive the thrill of finding hidden gems and reignite their love of reading. Join us from 23 – 25 April 2025 by solving clues to hunt down one of the designated books with a hidden voucher and sharing your discovery on Instagram for exciting prizes, including the mini Red Birdie key chain, the tote bag designed by HKUSTers, and more!
Come to the Library G/F and follow @hkustlibrary to learn more about the book hunt and other activities!
Dorian Chow
Assistant Manager (Research and Learning Support)
lbdorian@ust.hk
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