Marking the significant milestone of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China, Hangzhou Public Library and Macao Public Library have jointly launched a commemorative literature exhibition titled "Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Macao's Return to China and the Establishment of Collaboration Between Hangzhou Public Library and Macao Public Library."
The exhibition, which opened on December 20, 2024, and will run until January 19, 2025, is currently hosted at the Special Literature Center on the third floor of Hangzhou Public Library. Following its run in Hangzhou, the Macao Public Library will reciprocate by hosting an exhibition in Macao featuring donated literature from Hangzhou Public Library, fostering a fruitful exchange between the two libraries. This initiative serves as a reflection on Macao's cultural development achievements over the past quarter-century and stands as a testament to the strengthened cooperation and promotion of cultural prosperity between the two libraries.
Promotional Poster for the Donated Literature Exhibition from Macao Public Library
This inaugural collaborative exhibition follows the establishment of a formal partnership between Hangzhou Public Library and Macao Public Library in June 2024, an endeavor strongly supported by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government. Both libraries are committed to the principles of resource sharing and mutual cultural enrichment. The exhibition aims to provide a deeper understanding of Macao's vibrant culture and its flourishing development since its reunification with the mainland, fostering a strengthened sense of national pride and cultural confidence among readers.
The meticulously curated exhibits, generously donated by Macao Public Library, encompass a diverse range of subjects including history, culture, literature, art, and social sciences. These resources vividly illustrate Macao's distinct regional character, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic progress in the past 25 years. From explorations of Macao's ancient historical sites to the contemporary integration of diverse cultures, and from literary narratives by renowned authors to scholarly analyses of social transformations, each volume offers a window into the unique charm and evolving narrative of Macao. These donated books serve not only as repositories of knowledge but also as symbols of the enduring friendship between Macao and the mainland. Traversing the Haojiang River, they have found a new home at Hangzhou Public Library, creating a bridge for intellectual exchange and promoting cultural understanding and continuity.
On-site View of the Donated Literature Exhibition at Hangzhou Public Library
Besides the thematic book exhibition, the launch ceremony for the "Blooming JiangnanHangzhou Macao Unity" series of activities --a joint undertaking by Hangzhou Public Library, Zhejiang Education Press, and Zhejiang Youth Writers Association, along with the unveiling of the new publication "Flowers Blooming from West Lake," was successfully held at Hangzhou Public Library during the recent National Day holiday.
In recent years, with the guidance and support of Department of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs of Hangzhou Municipal Government and Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, Hangzhou Public Library has actively pursued collaborative initiatives and exchanges with libraries in Macao, solidifying the close relationship between the library communities of the two regions. Previously, from April 19th to May 31st, 2024, the "Window of Hangzhou" themed book exhibition and the "Hangzhou Feel" urban photography exhibition, organized in partnership with the University of Macao Library, were successfully hosted at the University of Macao Library. The subsequent signing of a formal cooperation agreement between Hangzhou Public Library and Macao Public Library in June of this year officially inaugurated a new era of literary and cultural exchange, establishing a robust platform for knowledge sharing and the dissemination of cultural values between the two locations. Building upon this collaborative foundation, Macao Public Library is scheduled to host an exhibition featuring donated literature from Hangzhou Public Library in the coming year, further deepening cooperation and creating a reciprocal effect that will allow readers from both regions to fully appreciate each other's cultural treasures.
Looking ahead, Hangzhou Public Library embraces future collaborations with libraries from overseas and the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions with enthusiasm and an open spirit. The library is dedicated to building bridges of communication, jointly exploring innovative avenues for cooperation, and working together to navigate the field of knowledge and contribute to the collective brilliance of global culture. We are confident that through sustained effort and deep collaboration, we can transcend geographical boundaries, nurture and celebrate diverse cultures through mutual exchange, and collectively paint a vibrant tapestry of cultural prosperity, ushering in a new chapter of civilizational advancement.
We warmly invite you to visit the book exhibition and participate in this celebration of culture.
