At the beginning of this month, the mobile library again set out to take books to various districts in Macau, with more spots to visit on its list until September.
Under the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s (IC) “Where culture flourishes, happiness happens”– “Mobile Library” Outreach Service, the unmistakable green van – fittingly adorned with a librarian pushing a cart full of books – takes boxes of publications, seating and even shade to one of its 24 parking locations across Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane each weekend throughout its run. Together, these elements create an outdoor reading experience for members of the public at every stop, inviting them to experience the joy of books.
The latest run of the initiative includes four new parking locations: Largo dos Bombeiros and Camões Square in Taipa, as well as the Leisure Area in Baía Norte do Fai Chi Kei, and the square opposite Hong Kung Temple (康公廟). Speaking with the Post during its stop at the latter location yesterday, a Macao Public Library representative, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that the initiative started last year and mainly sees visits from parents and their children, along with other youngsters and adults.
The representative noted that among the activities offered, the “Story World” sessions, which sees an invited representative reading stories to children in Chinese, has particularly proven popular among youngsters and their parents.
Beyond that are library card registration and the on-site browsing and reading of books. The representative said that the selection showcased at each stop are predominantly in Chinese, though one can still find books in English among them. And while one may not be able to borrow the books one finds interesting at the mobile library, each publication comes with a QR code that can be scanned to reserve a copy from one of Macau’s public libraries, she added.
In closing, the representative pointed out that the library has been undertaking “non-stop” work in promoting and introducing books and activities to children and other members of the public, with another popular activity being the book swap activity “Book for Book”. She also noted that while many prefer to read online or through electronic means, the library also wants to promote its harmony with physical books, highlighting their continued importance today.
The Macau Public Library’s mobile library outreach service sees a total of eight free sessions per month during its run, with no registration required.
The mobile library can be found parked at its designated district for around three hours mainly from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Its next two stops for the coming weekend are at the Leisure Area in Baía Norte do Fai Chi Kei, particularly near Cheng Tou Building (筷子基北灣休憩區 - 近青濤大廈), and Iao Hon Market Park (祐漢公園).
Those hoping to catch the mobile library at other stops can visit https://www.library.gov.mo/en/promotion-events/events/detail/2026mobilelibrary_b
The mobile library was parked in the square opposite Hong Kung Temple (康公廟) to offer outreach services to those in the area. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
