Reading is a mediator which enables people from different regions to share the warmth with each other. When people open the same book, they synchronise their state of mind, which is like deep communication with the souls in silence. As spring comes back, wherever you are — whether in a snowy cold city or in Macao, a city with pleasant climate all the year around, you are welcome to join your steps with “Books and the City”, starting with us your new journey of reading in 2020.
In “Feature” of this issue, we will present you our summary of the year. While reviewing the new services launched by Macao Public Library, we will also observe several irreversible trends in public libraries around the world. Readers can follow our steps to different libraries to enjoy diverse experiences with the facilities and services provided by them, embracing the new changes in Macao Public Library in 2019.
In “Author’s Say”, we interviewed two Portuguese professors who are committed to exploring the architectural language of Macao — Tiago Saldanha Quadros and Margarida Saraiva, both have lived in Macao for many years. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Macao's handover to China, through the English and Portuguese versions of the book Macau Sessions, Diálogos sobre Arquitectura e Sociedade, they try to conduct conversations with talents of different sectors in the architecture field, exploring the changes in architecture in Macao and the entire city, which is especially profound and meaningful.
Digital resources service is one of this year’s highlights in the development of Macao Public Library. The launch of the new electronic databases has improved the system of digital resources. In this issue’s “Library Handbook”, we will introduce you the development in detail. Moreover, in “Library Portrait”, we interviewed Xiong Liang, well-known picture book author who came to Macao as a guest keynote lecturer. He will share his story about how he followed his heart and created these fascinating picture books without receiving any previous professional training in this field.
In this special year of 2020, “Books and the City” wishes you continue your companion with good books.