The Zhenguan Political Essentials notes, “With bronze mirrors, one can correct one's appearance. With history mirrors, one can understand the reasons behind the rise and fall of dynasties. With good men mirrors, one can distinguish right from wrong.” Books, which gather the wisdom of our predecessors and the insights of diverse thinkers—serve as an illuminating mirror for self-understanding and self-reflection.

Coinciding with the recent Regulation to Promote Public Reading introduced in February 2026, the special feature “Macao Just Read” in the 42nd issue of Books and the City resonates the Regulation’s objectives. It has not only reviewed the reading promotion efforts of the Public Library of the Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau, but also explores innovative reading approaches for 2026 by cultivating residents’ reading habits through the “Ten-minute Read” campaign. In this issue, seasoned reading advocates, Macao bookstore operators, and academic library representatives are invited to share insights into the current status of reading promotion in Macao and to encourage readers to explore local reading venues.

This Library Handbook section reviews how the “Macao Reading Festival 2025” encouraged citizens to enjoy a “Delightful reading holiday” through cross-sector integration and regional cooperation. It also highlights “The Inheritance of Chinese Classics - Special Exhibition of the Macao Ancient Chinese Books Chamber and the Hong Kong Hok Hoi Library” at the Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, inviting readers to delve into Chinese classics and discover century-old libraries nearby. The “Magnifying Glass” section showcases the library’s enhancements and optimization of its computer equipment, offering readers improved information services. Additionally, it presents the library’s institutionalized guided-tour service for groups or schools, in which professionals will guide participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of the library. The “Authors’ Say” section introduces the trilingual Macao story series, “Macau’s Historical Witnesses”, using 22 stories to show readers another side of Macao.