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.
This summer, we are thrilled to present a collection of 100 iconic Hong Kong films, each offering stunning visuals and captivating stories. For crime dramas enthusiasts, the Infernal Affairs I , II, III; (無間道I, II, III 終極無間) directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak is a must-see. Wong Kar-wai’s masterpieces, In the Mood for Love (花樣年華) and Chungking Express (重慶森林), highlight his distinctive artistic vision. Stephen Chow’s beloved comedies, such as Shaolin Soccer (少林足球), A Chinese Odyssey part I and II (西遊記第壹佰零壹回之月光寶盒 及 西遊記大結局之仙履奇緣), showcase the playful humour that defines late 20th-century Hong Kong cinema. Recent films like 29 1, Tomorrow Is Another Day (黃金花), Tracey (翠絲), and Still Human (淪落人) explore various social themes and resonate deeply with audiences. This collection offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy diverse Hong Kong cinema during your term break. If you need a DVD drive, feel free to borrow one from the G/F Service Counter or LG1 Tech Item Kiosk. Don’t miss out on the excitement of Hong Kong films this summer! Vanessa Yu Officer (Collection Development) lbvanessa@ust.hk
Did you know that the little hill beside the North Gate bus stop has a name? It is called the Fung Shui Ridge! Do you know what its name, "Fung Shui", means? Fung Shui (風水) is the traditional Chinese practice of arranging buildings and spaces. Even thousands of years ago, people understood the importance of the environment on their lives, and sought to improve their living spaces. On a small scale, moving some furniture away from the door or not putting your dining table directly across the toilet is easily doable. But constructing whole mountains to block out cold winds is impossible outside fables. The solution, then, is to simply build around and according to nature. And from these beliefs and actions came Fung Shui, as both a field of study and a way of life. A stranger to Fung Shui may dismiss it as mystical and unscientific.
April 1st, a day synonymous with humor and mischief, also marks the birth of one of literature’s most profound voices - Milan Kundera (1929 - 2023). His debut novel, The Joke, perfectly aligns with the spirit of his birthday, demonstrating how a harmless prank transforms into life-altering consequences. The weaving of comedy and tragedy defines his literary legacy.
Exciting news for animation enthusiasts! We invite you to explore our newly selected collection of 100 animated films, ready to take you on exciting adventures. From timeless classics to recent hits, there’s a film for every taste. Discover hidden gems and stunning visuals that transport you to fantastical worlds. Experience heartwarming tales like Looking for Magical DoReMi (魔女見習いをさがして) and action-packed stories like Ne Zha (哪吒之魔童降世) that keep you on the edge of your seat. Take a look at lesser-known animations like Masters of Russian Animation, or savor the innovative storytelling of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. For fans of classic films, we’ve included nostalgic favorites such as Snow White and the seven dwarfs and Beauty and the Beast. If you need a DVD drive, you can borrow one from the G/F Service Counter. Don’t hesitate—come and enjoy a movie night! You can find them near the main entrance on the G/F and the Media Pillar on LG1.
Library E-Discovery Week 2025, held from February 17 to 21, was a great success! Over 2,000 students and staff participated in our E-Discovery Week Exhibition, Online Workshops, and Online Challenge. Each activity included quizzes to keep everyone engaged and learning. One of the coolest highlights was our new stamp collection game at the exhibition, where participants visited various booths to explore our featured e-resources and collect stamps, earning up to nine Lucky Draw chances. All valid stamp collections and quiz submissions were entered into the Big Lucky Draw. On March 12, we celebrated with a prize presentation ceremony in the Library’s IC Learning Space. Lucky Draw winners received their prizes from Dr. Gabrielle Wong, Director of Library Services, and Mr. Edward Spodick, Associate Director of Library Services, while Active Participation Winners were awarded by Ms. Venia Mak, Head of Access Services.
March 8th will be International Women’s Day (IWD)! Women’s day has been celebrated in various forms by socialist and communist groups and countries for over 100 years. It became a more widespread celebration of women’s achievements and aspirations when the United Nations adopted and promoted International Women’s Day. Here at HKUST, the Library has joined the broader HKUST celebrations with an IWD 2025 Book Display. It highlights women’s achievements and work across the ages in many areas: science, technology, the arts, music, and literature, as well as in politics and labor. Celebrate IWD by taking something to read, to listen to, or to watch. As this year's HKUST IWD 2025 theme states: #Accelerate Action! Victoria Caplan Head, Research and Learning Support lbcaplan@ust.hk