On 12 May, the Library hosted a vibrant exhibition opening that drew in art lovers. In a heartwarming show of support, friends of Dr Sze Chi Ching sent in 90 beautiful flower baskets, creating a stunning display outside the Library. While the flowers added charm to the event, the Library team saw an opportunity to extend their beauty and their purpose. Rather than letting the blooms go to waste, the Library reached out to the Sustainability/Net-Zero Office the next day with an idea: invite the campus community to take home the flowers and recycle the wooden frames. The Sustainability/Net-Zero Office enthusiastically supported the initiative and helped spread the word within 3 hours. The Campus Management Office also played a key role by sending the housekeeping team and cleaners to help tidy up the space, ensuring everything was neat and welcoming for the community. The response was overwhelming. Students, staff, and faculty came together to give the flowers a second life, brightening homes and offices across campus. It was a joyful moment of sharing, sustainability, and community spirit. This simple yet impactful gesture not only reduced waste but also reminded everyone that small actions can make a big difference.

You may notice that starting from May 6, 2025, a little owl-like icon appears on our Library homepage. This is our new HKUST Library Chatbot (beta)! It is now on a two-month pilot program until the end of June. Developed through our DS CoLab initiative—where students team up with the Library staff to explore digital tools and AI applications—the chatbot uses ChatGPT technology to answer your general questions about library services.

The Spring term exam period is approaching. Are you considering printing all your notes for revision again? Hold on! Let's reconsider this after reviewing our collective printing habits from the Fall term exam period.

Have you checked out the 9 awesome study pods on LG1 of the library? Installed in 2024, these study pods provide a welcoming and quiet space with seating, work surfaces, good lighting and ventilation, as well as power/USB sockets to keep your devices juiced up. We've noticed that users often study in the dark, and sometimes they keep the door open ajar to let air flow. They might not be aware that they can turn on the light and the ventilation function while using the study pods. To protect your eyesight and stay cool and comfortable while studying, let's make sure to turn on the lights and ventilation so that you can focus on your studies without any distractions. It's super easy to find the switch in the Duo Pods and Quad Pods. For the Solo Pods, here's a little challenge: the switch is hiding under the table! Some people may think the fan is a bit noisy... but it really helps to keep the air fresh. Let’s prioritize your eye health and create a comfortable and efficient study environment.

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).