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.

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.

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).