FEATURE

AUTHOR: Yan Lam, Josephine Chou

PHOTO: Panda Lei, Josephine Chou

As society evolves, a library is no longer simply a quiet reading place, instead it provides an increasingly diversified functional space that connects community members and boosts the economy of the society. As Michael Dudley, Urban Services librarian and researcher from institute of Urban Studies at University of Winnipeg says, public libraries are responding to the emerging demands of society. They serve not only as information providers, but also experience providers by providing cooperative activities with high-tech maker spaces and local communities. Public libraries are great partners to individuals, groups, and even governments and enterprises. *

In this issue of Books and the City, we will visit the newly opened public library — Seac Pai Van Library and find out how it connects individuals, communities and the whole society.

* "Libraries and Community Engagement", American Library Association, April 9, 2014.

     http://www.ala.org/news/state-americas-libraries-report-2014/community-engagement (Accessed August 8, 2019)

Lam Io Hou, Functional Head of the Islands District says that the design of the Seac Pai Van Library takes into account the needs of different users and demonstrates the concept that a library being an interactive community space.

Organizing Activities in the Library

Libraries are typically rather quiet places. How to conduct an inside meeting without disturbing other readers? The Multi-function Room in the Seac Pai Van Library is designed by reference to professional conference venues, the 3D high-definition projector, stereo system, interpreting booth, and soundproof walls make it operate without affecting other readers in the library. The room is also highly flexible, it will turn into a compact exhibition venue by moving away tables and chairs.

Holding Discussion in the Library

If a group of people want to find a cosy spot for discussion, the Group Discussion Room inside the library would be a perfect place. Well-equipped with networks, power supply, and televisions, the room serves as a favourable discussion space not only for off-school students but also for citizens and other institutions. Do not underestimate the partition glasses, for the outside readers won’t be affected, as long as you are not roaring out.

Indoor Parent-child Interactions

The library values quality, rather than quantities of the books for children. Instead of placing dozens of bookshelves in the Children’s Reading Area, more spaces are reserved for children, and for parents to participate in joint reading and parent-child activities. It is worth mentioning that a platform is set up for children that facilitates self-presentation and communication, where they could either read on the stairs or come to the platform and read together with others.

Independent Reading Space

The library provides shared as well as independent reading spaces. Referring to the design of the Taipa Library, the Seac Pai Van Library also added multiple one-man seats in the reading area along the windows, creating an independent space for readers in need. When you are tired, looking at the mountain views outside the window is the perfect way for eye relaxation.

Accessible Facilities

Accessible facilities like accessible ramp, double-handrails, barrier-free restrooms, and breastfeeding rooms are available for people with different needs.

Multi-function Room

A small-size but well-equipped meeting room, with soundproof walls, 3D projector and interpreting booth. The room can accommodate 60 people, adequate for activities like small meetings, book releases, and exhibitions.

Group Discussion Room

An indoor and independent space for discussion, separated by partitions and can be divided into two small discussion rooms, equipped with television, projector and networks for the use of individuals and groups.

Children's Reading Area

This area, featuring colourful designing and equipped with spacious breastfeeding room and children’s restroom, comprises two parts: a reading area and a small area for activities.

Audiovisual Materials Area

This area is well equipped with audio and video devices, where you could retrieve audiovisual materials borrowed from the library.

Reading Area

The part of the library with the best lighting, where through clear window you can enjoy mountain view and connect with nature. Multiple one-man tables and chairs are placed between bookshelves along the windows, creating a flexible and comfortable reading space.

Opening Hours of Seac Pai Van Library:

Monday: 14:00–24:00*

Tuesday – Sunday: 08:00–24:00*

*After 20:00, only reading service and self-service equipment are available while librarian service desks and the children’s reading area are closed.

Suki, Librarian

The population of public housing in Seac Pai Van is rising. In such a community, a library is not only a reading space but also an exchange platform. In Seac Pai Van Library, the multi-function room and the group discussion room can serve the purpose of communication. Although the library is not that different from other new-fashioned public libraries, it is the only one library that has UHD 3D projection, which is available in the multi-function room. Also, the upgraded acoustic insulation makes the multi-function room more flexible to different situations, and people will be amazed by the stunning indoor lighting and outdoor views.

Ms. Chang from the Neighbourhood

The Seac Pai Van Library will make life in the community more convenient, and become a perfect destination for children and parents on weekends and holidays. After school or on weekends and holidays, children can find leisure in the library, as well as learn new knowledge and develop an interest in reading, while their parents can teach them through fun activities and thus strengthen the parent-child relationship. I believe the Seac Pai Van Library will be a unique place for cultural and recreational activities in the community.

Mr. Chao from the Neighbourhood

I love going to libraries on weekends and holidays. If possible,  I would like the library to provide a video room that plays classic movies or documentaries since I believe the relationship between text and images are inseparable. The location of Seac Pai Van Library is quite convenient because the building has a whole set of living facilities like supermarket and activity centre, and is next to a bus terminal and a public parking, which makes the library easily accessible for citizens of other districts and the group of self-driving people.

The library is part of the community and it helps forming a healthy community with other facilities. Let's take a look at some "neighbours" of the library.

Bus Stations

Located downstairs of Seac Pai Van Library is the Vale Das Borboletas Bus Terminal which is the terminal for 7 bus routes, 51, 51A, H3, 52, 55, 56 and N5, and the en-route stop for 2 other routes, 15T and 25AX, connecting areas of Macao and Taipa.

Public Parking

The Seac Pai Van Community Complex where the library is located and the nearby Alameda da Harmonia both offer public parking service. They offer over 570 parking spaces for light-duty vehicles and over 310 for motorcycles. *

*Data are from the website of Transport Bureau. ( https://www.dsat.gov.mo/dsat/carpark_info2.aspx)

Government Organizations

It takes only 1 to 3 minutes to get from the library to the Islands District Public Services Centre Seac Pai Van Station, the Seac Pai Van Post Office and the Public Security Police Station.

Cultural, Recreational and Sports Facilities

Located by the library is the Seac Pai Van Activity Centre where a children’s game zone and sports equipment are available. The community also has other leisure facilities for the public.

Shopping Centre

Located beneath the library is a shopping centre which runs 24 hour and sells all necessities of life.

Restaurants

Within a 1-minute walking distance from the library are affordable tea restaurants, local delicatessen shops and fast food chains.

Medical Facilities

Within a 5-minute walking distance from the library are the Coloane Seac Pai Van Temporary Health Centre, private clinics and pharmacies of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine.