On August 14th, Duke Kunshan University (DKU) Library held a ceremony to commemorate the grand opening of the library building in Phase II of Duke Kunshan University. Guests from departments working closely with DKU Library for the new library construction as well as all library staff gathered in the lobby of the new library building at 4 p.m. to witness the historical moment.
Dr. (Helen) Hong Xu, University Librarian of Duke Kunshan University, delivered her opening remarks at the ceremony. Dr. Xu traced the planning and designing of the library building back to 2016 and in particular expressed her sincere gratitude to colleagues from the former Office of Construction Management and Planning, Office of Operations, Office of Information Technology, Office of Procurement, and so on, who have dedicated their hard work in the past few years to the successful opening of the new library building.
In addition, Dr. Xu thanked all library staff who have made great contributions to the planning and daily operation of the new library building in the past few months. “This significant moment would not have been achieved without the efforts from our library staff and interns,” said Dr. Xu.
Roger Fan, Senior Director of Operations and University EHS of DKU, expressed his genuine wish for a bright future of the Library and looked forward to more collaboration between departments.
Mengjie Zou, Research and Instruction Librarian and the first library staff of DKU Library, expressed her excitement witnessing the changes of the Library from the beginning, and thanked Dr. Xu who made the imagination of a new library building come true.
The speeches were followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a celebration event, which signified a new start for the Library.
DKU Library staff will continue to provide high-quality services as an interactive and innovative teaching and learning hub in the new landmark building.
Special thanks for photographer Qifan Wang.
