Our first stop was the International Library of the University of Macau (澳門大學國際圖書館). The Library first opened its door in 1999. It is a modern complex occupying 15,000 square metres in 5 storeys, holding 150,000 monographs, 4,000 periodicals and 12,000 old Chinese editions. We were guided through the various collections, service points and facilities of the Library. Some highlights include the Macau Document Collection, the Rare Book Room, the International Document Centre which enjoys depository status from over 10 international organizations, the Consulting Centre for Research & English Writing and the multi-purpose auditorium. We even trod behind closed doors and had a peep at the Librarian's office! We also didn't miss out the various break-time corners; the Magazine and Newspaper reading area on the top floor, the bookshop and the cafe down in the basement where you can savour authentic Portuguese egg tarts fresh from the oven.
After a most sumptuous and energy-boosting lunch (no joke, it was so chilly outside), the Group continued its tight schedule and stopped at the Central Library of Macau (澳門中央圖書館), the Civic & Municipal Library (市政廳圖書館) and Sir Robert Ho Tung Library (何東圖書館). All three libraries belong to the Macau public library system administered by the Cultural Institute. They impressed us as small, cosy and inviting.
The Central Library (picture) resides in a beautifully-restored heritage building next to its twin brother, the Historical Archives. Don't be fooled by its neo-classical facade. Past the main entrance, you will see a bright and cheery library, fully wired of course. A perfect blending of the old and new! Since its reopening in January after major renovation work, its patronage has been record high. Apart from a sizeable general interest collection, the Central Library is also a treasure trove for Macau local information, children's literature and Portuguese history in the Far East. It also houses the ISBN centre which handles applications for ISBN, ISSN and ISRC (International Standard Recording Code).
The Civic and Municipal Library is a small and ancient library dated back to 1656. (see the vicinity) The physical layout and interior decor were modelled after the Convent of Mafra Library in Portugal. Here you will find a visual feast of crystal chandeliers, wooden shelves with ornate carvings and furniture after the style of Louis XIV. Collection-wise, it holds 30,000 pre-1950 western language materials, mostly in English, French and Portuguese and many of them are rare items. As I walked past its musty collection, I couldn't help making associations with the Name of the Rose, an old movie featuring a medieval monastery and its library, mysterious murders and scriveners. All I want to say is it felt like stepping back in time, in space and history. It's undoubtedly a gem in this part of Asia.
Ho Tung Library (picture) is a typical example of a private residence turned library. It was formerly the summer villa of Sir Robert Ho Tung who acquired it in 1918, and he actually lived here in the war years from 1941-1945. The 3-storey estate was bequeathed to the Macau Government in 1955. In 1958, the Library officially welcomed its first users. There are several reading rooms here; a newspaper and magazines area, an Audio-Visual centre and a Chinese rare book collection upstairs, comprising 5,000 thread-bound volumes from the Ming/Qing Dynasties. The front and back gardens form part of the Library, so on fine breezy days, visitors can enjoy their books outdoors. Being a city bumpkin, I have to confess it's my first time visit to a garden library. Cool, isn't it?
We made the day even fuller by visiting the Museum of Macau on Old Fortress Hill. We managed to catch a special exhibition "Macau during the Sino-Japanese war" and saw a great deal of archival photos, newspaper clippings and historic documents from the 1930's-1940's. The exhibition as a whole is an excellent piece of social research. It was also an inspiring experience for people like me who know so pathetically little about the history of Macau.
Both Raymond and Billy and the librarians at different stops were friendly and chatty, and we picked up interesting titbits about the library profession and development in Macau or social life in general. It was a most rewarding trip, in all aspects.
Here are some useful links:
Macau Library & Information Management Association
http://www.mlima.org.mo/
International Library of Macau University
http://www.umac.mo/lib/LIB.html
Central Library of Macau
http://www.library.gov.mo/
Museum of Macau
http://www.macaumuseum.gov.mo/mainchi.htm
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fig. 1: Group photo outside Museum of Macau
fig. 2: International Library, University of Macau
fig. 3: Central Library of Macau: circulation area
fig. 4: Central Library of Macau: reading area
fig. 5: Sir Robert Ho Tung Library: exterior view
fig. 6: Sir Robert Ho Tung Library: Chinese rare book room