Bulletin No. 2, 2012

32 Chinese University Bulletin No. 2, 2012 O rganized by the I • CARE Programme, the Homecoming Book Festival was held in Sir Run Run Shaw Hall from 8 to 18 October. Some 10,000 tomes donated by alumni and teachers of CUHK were on display in the Foyer Gallery. Besides books on history, philosophy and literature, there were reference books and a small number of comics. These were shelved in batches, and members of CUHK could read at leisure and take home five of their favourites free-of-charge. On 9 October alone, close to 5,000 books were given away. Book lovers packed the gallery day and night, and all were busy burying themselves in a mountain of books and reading their new-found jewels on- the-spot. Beanbag couches were strewn all over the floor so such acquaintances could be made in relative comfort. Those who had got their dream books said when they had finished reading them, they would be more than glad to pass them to others. Alumnus Dr. Louie Kin-sheun who donated a large number of books named the benefits of the event. ‘Alumni find new homes for their old books. Students get to read for free. It promotes reading on campus. Graduates and students build a spiritual link through books.’ From 10 October, the barter market commenced. Students and staff were encouraged to take one book from the festival in exchange for one of their own. Each person could exchange a maximum of two books. Many traders were pretty surprised about the good quality books Keep the Books and Knowledge Flowing