This winter, dive into some of the finest Korean and Japanese films our Library! Experience the gripping suspense of thrillers like Parasite alongside the influential classic Rashomon, a landmark film of the 20th century. If you prefer animation, enjoy the enchanting stories of Japanese favourites such as Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops Winged Angels. You might also like the fascinating Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds, one of the highest-grossing Korean film in recent years.

Agatha Christie is one of the best-selling novelists, with her novels holding the Guinness World Record as the best-selling fiction author of all time, having sold over two billion copies (Guinness World Record, 2026). But what truly sets her apart from other detective fiction writers is this: her novels reward rereading. Unlike many mystery novels where the sole purpose is discovering the murderer’s identity, Christie’s books are worth revisiting because the “truth” is always unexpected—yet on a second read, you’ll discover hints cleverly hidden throughout. The clues were always there; we simply didn’t see them.

I randomly picked up a detective novel in a library after reading some Sherlock Holmes, and began my journey with Christie through The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. What struck me immediately was her daring decision to center the story around a first-person narrator who is intimately tied to the investigation, yet whose account subtly manipulates the reader’s trust in ways that shatter genre expectations. This twist forces you to reevaluate every detail from a new angle upon finishing, making it a landmark in detective fiction that you’ll itch to experience for yourself. It was brilliant and disorienting in the best possible way.

Today, December 16, 2025, marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth (1775–1817). Despite her short life, Austen produced six novels that have become cornerstones of English literature: Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), Emma (1815), Northanger Abbey (1817), and Persuasion (1817). With sharp irony and keen psychological insight, her works explore themes of love, social class, and morality in early 19th-century England. Austen's influence reaches far beyond her original novels, inspiring countless sequels, parodies, and adaptations. Our library collection highlights this ongoing legacy: for instance, Emma Tennant's An Unequal Marriage: Pride and Prejudice Twenty Years Later imagines what happens to the Darcys after the happy ending of the original novel. If you're in the mood for something with horror and fantastic elements, try Seth Grahame-Smith's Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Austen's stories have also been adapted numerous times for the screen, from Ang Lee's acclaimed Sense and Sensibility to the 2009 BBC adaptation of Emma—and many more available on Kanopy. These versions bring her timeless characters and themes to new audiences with fresh perspectives. As the fall semester winds down and exam season approaches, there's no better way to celebrate Austen's 250th birthday (and reward yourself during the winter break) than by diving into her brilliant novels. Visit our library to check out the works!

As autumn unfolds and the days grow shorter, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some fantastic science fiction. Sci-fi has gained immense popularity among recent generations, exploring themes like robotics, space exploration, time travel, and parallel universes—topics that resonate across various media. A new selection of best-selling sci-fi titles including eBooks and physical items is now on display near the G/F Leisure Reading Zone. Liu Cixin has emerged as a prominent figure in contemporary science fiction, with his novels The Three-Body Problem(三体) and The Wandering Earth(流浪地球) adapted into movies and television dramas. Mr. Liu’s works, from short stories to novels, are featured in this Sci-fi display. In addition to Liu Cixin's works, you will discover other timeless classics by H.G. Wells, such as The Time Machine and The Invisible Man, alongside with the classic series by Hong Kong novelist Ni Kuang such as Legend of Wesley(衛斯理傳奇之搜靈·盡頭). This diverse selection appeals to all sci-fi lovers, whether you’re an experienced reader or just starting to explore the genre. Science fiction is not only entertaining but also stimulates critical thinking about our world and its future.

Here in the northern hemisphere, the nights are getting longer, and the weather becomes colder. As October draws to a close, the unofficial holiday, Halloween (October 31) approaches. Around this time of year, people often like to read or watch scary or ghostly things. Last month, the Library began its display of Horror Film Classics for the "Spooky Season". But what about reading? Shirley Jackson (1916-1965) is a classic mid-20th century writer whose works often touched on the uncanny. Her The Haunting of Hillhouse is available in print in the Library's collection (PS3519.A392 H3 1959) and in electronic format as public domain in Canada and Hong Kong from The Faded Page. It was also made into a film, called The Haunting (PN1997.A12 T865 2009 disc 1). The opening paragraph is justly famous for being an almost perfect opening for a ghost story. "No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream.

Hey students and staff! Ready for some thrills? Our new horror film display, featuring over 100 DVDs, is here to get you excited! Whether you are looking for a good scare or a creepy vibe for a cozy movie night, we have got you covered. From classic thrillers like The Shining to modern favorites like Get Out and Longlegs, the display offers something for every horror fan. Don’t miss our selection of Asian titles, such as the iconic 呪怨  (Ju-on) and the must-see Korean zombie flick 부산행 (Train to Busan). If you want some laughs mixed with chills, カメラを止めるな! (One Cut of the Dead) is a must-watch! We are also featuring 5 streaming films, including Smile 2 and Summer of 84. Grab your friends and get ready for a spooky good time! These films are perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit or taking a thrilling break from studying.

Did you know that Canton (Guangzhou) and Hong Kong, twin cities where Cantonese is the lingua franca, have much more in common beyond language? Modern art and visual culture born in the two cities share a legacy deeply rooted in the history of Modern China. M Museum’s recent exhibition “Canton Modern: Art and Visual Culture 1900s-1970s” showcases over 200 artworks – many on public display for the first time – from this lesser-known history. Sha Fei, a featured artist in this exhibition whose works are on loan from our Library’s Special Collections, is regarded as one of the most influential Chinese photographers of the 20th century. Born and educated in Guangzhou, Sha Fei, originally named Situ Chuan, came from an extended family that was well known for its artistically talented members, including a film director and two painters. Initially aspired to be a fine art photographer, Sha Fei turned his lens towards the working class and later, scenes of war during the 1930s-40s. This transformation was driven by a shared artistic vision among Cantonese artists highlighted in the M exhibition: the belief that art could influence people and transform society.       Two of Sha Fei’s works on display at M , photos taken by the author.       As a photojournalist, Sha Fei produced more than a thousand photo records of the Sino-Japanese War. Thanks to a generous donation from Sha Fei’s daughter, Ms Wang Yan, who reached us through Professor David Cheng Chang at the Division of Humanities, our Library now holds a collection of Sha Fei’s wartime photographs: Sha Fei Photographic Collection.

As summer vacation begins, are you feeling weary of textbooks and academic papers? The Library is more than a place for group discussion, dissertation writing, or exam preparation. On G/F, a selection of popular books on display is beckoning, inviting you to unwind with a good read. These popular reads offer fresh perspectives on history, culture, and the arts. For instance, The Course of History: Ten Meals That Changed the World takes you on a journey through historical events, all seen through the lens of memorable dinners. Menus and recipes included! If you’re intrigued by ancient Greece, A Thing of Beauty: Travels in Mythical and Modern Greece will transport you to this sun-drenched tourist haven where the past meets the present. For a fun twist on literary classics, check out 莎士比亞超圖解 : 解構17齣經典劇作, 上一堂最好玩的莎翁課 ! Its comic-style illustrations let you surf through Shakespeare's renowned works, making intricate plots and complex character relationships effortlessly enjoyable. Don’t miss 玩具醫生 : 那些玩具教我們的事, where a local “toy doctor” shares stories of repairing toys from diverse backgrounds over the past nineteen years.

As a Hongkonger, I like to browse information about Hong Kong’s past through various media. When I look at posts and photos of Hong Kong’s past, I have an opportunity to see things that remind me of my childhood, which makes me feel excited. In our library, there are many books and periodicals that discuss Hong Kong’s past. Some of them are pictorial works with illustrations of old Hong Kong. They are “Popular books” that enable users to explore Hong Kong’s history through a relaxing journey.