Alumni are a good source of inspiration, not only for current students, but also for the Library. On Oct 5, an award-winning film director, Mr. KA Sing-Fung, came to the Library to share his career path starting from a chemistry undergraduate at HKUST.  This very personal talk, 《然後去了拍電影》("Then, I went to make movies"), was well attended by many students. He talked about how he enjoyed the Library during his study at HKUST in the mid-2000s, finding it a welcoming space to explore knowledge beyond his core subject. He recalled how he loved to put aside his chemistry books and immerse himself in literature and books about design, and enjoyed movies from the Media Collection. I am so touched and glad that the Library played a role in his personal growth and career path. Sing-Fung encouraged students to follow their dreams. I hope many of them, like Sing-Fung, will find their inspiration and warm support in the Library. We organized a number of talks by HKUST alumni; stay-tuned for the next one!

If you haven't checked out the Library Exhibition "China In Maps 500 Years of Evolving Images" yet, you're missing out! This introduction video is just the beginning of an exciting journey. You'll find an excellent example of how students can take their learning to the next level. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z79oXtpX5xg[/embed] Meet Delores Yip and Felicia Pang, two Year 3 students from the School of Engineering (SENG). They are fast learners with a passion for Minecraft, a game that has captured the hearts of many. With their engineering background and gaming skills, they were able to create an engaging and interactive experience for visitors to the exhibition. This is just one example of the extended learning opportunities available to students at the library. By collaborating with co-curators, students can create compelling storylines that bring history and technology together in exciting ways. So why not join us on this journey of discovery and exploration? Who knows what you might learn!

Sadly, one of the Napping Pods is now out of service. Someone apparently decided to see how it worked, and disconnected the power and data cables and caused some damage. The manufacturer is sending technicians to repair the Pod – for safety reasons they recommend that no one use it until it has been repaired. PLEASE be considerate of others – we are very disappointed that someone did this, causing problems for others. Edward Spodick Associate Director of Library Services lbspodic@ust.hk

In early 2011, dirt came to the Library Garden. Then in the Summer, came the plants. Including an odd-looking tree. The tree needed bamboo supports to survive the coming typhoons. The tree survived several severe typhoons, the first being just two days after being planted.  And after falling over during a Signal 10 typhoon in 2012 and being pushed back up by CMO staff, it received a name. I was looking at the sad, determined tree, and remembered a Bugs Bunny cartoon, where a monster grabbed Bugs and said something like "I will hug him, and squeeze him and call him George!"  The storms certainly hugged and squeezed, and so the tree became George. And even though the recent Signal 10 Typhoon of 2023 ripped off one of his branches, George still stands determinedly in the Library Garden. Stop by and say hello sometime. Edward Spodick Associate Director of Library Services lbspodic@ust.hk

Meet Jan Jie (珍姐), the vibrant soul of the Ground floor of  HKUST Library! If you're a Library regular 摺拉把, you'll undoubtedly recognize her warm and friendly face. With an impressive 22 years of dedicated service as the janitor on the Ground Floor, Jan Jie has worked with various cleaning companies, engaging with hundreds of students over the years. Whether wielding a cleaning cloth or holding a bloom in her hand, Jan Jie is always at work, ensuring the Library remains impeccably clean. Beyond cleaning, she talks with students, providing encouragement and support for their studies.  She transcends the role of a mere cleaning lady.  Jan Jie is a sharp, compassionate, efficient, and observant individual – well-liked by both students and staff. Jan Jie has played a pivotal role in assisting numerous students in recovering lost items, mostly wallets, ID cards, and mobile phones, often left behind in library washrooms. Her observant and caring nature is highlighted by an incident where she identified a mainland student with a colostomy, new to Hong Kong, who needed medical support.  She reported this to the Library staff so that the student could receive the appropriate follow up. As students, ranging from Bachelors to PhDs, return each year during congregation, they eagerly capture heartwarming moments with Jan Jie in photographs. She serves as an undercover Library ambassador, an indispensable part of the Library's narrative. As Jan Jie approaches potential retirement, my colleagues and I all extend our best wishes to her for this new chapter in her life.