Duke Kunshan University (DKU) Library successfully held the 9th Book Fair from April 23-26, 2024. Following the recurring theme of “You Select, We Collect”, all DKU community members, including students, faculty and staff, were given the option to browse a wide selection of books and to select titles for their educational and research needs. Following the event, DKU Library staff will review, acquire, and process the selected titles.
The books on display were prescreened by subject librarians based on DKU research and teaching programs, and supplied by Librairie Avant-garde（先锋书店） and three of the largest book vendors in China, CEPIEC（中国教育图书进出口有限公司）, CNPIEC（中国图书进出口（集团）有限公司）, and CNPIECSB（中国图书进出口上海有限公司）.
Participants could pick from slightly more than 10,000 newly published books in a wide variety of languages, mainly in English and in Chinese, and on a wide variety of subjects, from academic fields to fiction and even art collections.
Photos credit: Jietong Zhou
In addition, the 9th Book Fair was a feast of cultural events, celebrating not just reading cultures from pages, but also experiencing cultures in person. A stamp passport was offered by DKU Library for participants to collect specially designed stamps for each event they participated in as a memory of the Book Fair.
Photo credit: Xingyi Huang
Prose in the Meadow: A Spring Outdoor Reading
Following the World Book and Copyright Day, in the beautiful early afternoon of Wednesday, April 24, DKU community members met on Duke Kunshan Square to read and relax. Sprawled out on blankets and basking in the sun or sitting under tents, everyone enjoyed the outdoors in their own way.
Photos credit: (left) Dr. (Helen) Hong Xu; (right) Taoyuan Jin
The reading event attracted nearly 130 participants. Library staff brought out carts of hand-picked books for participants to select and check out easily with the DKU Library WeChat self-checkout function.
Ink Harmony: A Cultural Artistry Workshop
On Friday, April 26, the DKU community was invited to experience the elegance and artistry of Chinese calligraphy and script painting. In collaboration with the DKU Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Club, about 80 participants immersed themselves in the rich cultural heritage as student artists demonstrate the graceful strokes and intricate techniques of this ancient tradition. Participants witnessed the fusion of poetry and painting as characters came to life on paper, with each stroke conveying meaning and emotion.
Photos credit: (left) Jietong Zhou; (right) Yunrong Gu
Participants had the opportunity to try their hands at calligraphy, learning the fundamentals of brushwork and composition. For novice learners and experienced artists alike, this event brought everyone on an inspiring journey into the world of Chinese art.
Tranquil Sips: A Cultural Voyage with Tea
Another cultural event transported the DKU community to ancient China with the scent of Chinese tea. A total of 50 participants were indulged in a sensory journey with Tea Master Merry Yao as they explored the nuanced flavors and aromas of hand-selected teas steeped in centuries-old tradition. From delicate green teas to robust red oolongs, each cup told a story of craftsmanship and culture, inviting participants to savor the essence of Chinese heritage.
Photos credit: Tianyao Wang
As the fragrant steam rose from porcelain cups, attendees immersed themselves in the serene ambiance, surrounded by the elegance of traditional tea ceremonies. It was a captivating experience where time seemed to stand still, allowing guests to appreciate the artistry and wisdom infused in every sip.
Read Aloud with the Reading Pavilion
The Book Reading event, held from April 25-26, attracted 102 enthusiastic attendees in total. For many, it was their first experience of the Reading Pavilion by the East Gate of the Library, and they were able to dive into its various features.
Photos credit: Jietong Zhou
Participants used the recording devices in the sound-proofed Reading Pavillion to read and record their selected literary works. The recordings were added with ambient background music, transforming the recordings to artworks. The Reading Pavilion’s ability to support different languages stood out, showcasing its versatility and welcoming nature to Chinese and international participants alike. Additionally, participants were delighted to find that they could listen to their own reading recordings with WeChat connection.
Photo credit: Qifan Wang
Thanks to everyone participating in the 9th DKU Library Book Fair! We all Library staff hope you enjoyed the events. Furthermore, we received positive feedback in our post-event survey, with over 96% of respondents felt satisfied with the 9th Book Fair. Please see the infographic below for more summary statistics.
Content provided by Faith Anderson, Class of 2026, Sophia Hanani, Class of 2024, and Hemin Zhou. Infographic created by Xingyi Huang and Haohua Yang.
