The Lanson Mini Library of CW Chu College has recently completed a project to optimize its space and reorganize its collection. This marks another important step forward in the College’s efforts to foster a culture of reading, advance holistic education, and sustain its humanistic heritage.

The library enhancement project was initiated and coordinated by Dr Heidi HUANG, Assistant Dean of Students of CW Chu College, with the assistance of student librarian Miss KWOK King Yung Riona. Their joint efforts enabled the project to proceed smoothly and be completed on schedule.

In an interview with the College Newsletter, Riona shared her passion for books and described how she devoted herself to transforming the library in five months by reviewing, cataloguing and reorganizing more than 5,000 books, thus helping to breathe new life into a treasured corner of the college.

Newsletter: ‘Where did your love of libraries come from?’

Riona: ‘Being a librarian feels almost second nature to me. My mother has worked in school libraries at both primary and secondary schools, so books have always been a part of my life. During summer holidays, I would spend entire days in the library where she worked, wandering through the aisles and reading whatever caught my eye.

‘I have always preferred non-fiction, especially books on crime-scene investigation and encyclopedias. I enjoy learning how the world works simply out of curiosity. Although these interests have little to do with my major, there is something deeply satisfying about discovering cold, hard facts.’

Newsletter: ‘How did your journey as a librarian begin?’

Riona: ‘Becoming a student librarian at Yan Oi Tong Tin Ka Ping Secondary School was a natural step for me. Whether it was out of curiosity or a desire to better understand what my mother did at work, I eagerly signed up for the role.

‘Sorting books, managing the borrowing and return system, keeping the library organized, and occasionally training junior student librarians became part of my daily routine. Although these were responsibilities, the library also served as a haven where I could escape academic pressure and enjoy a moment of calm. My teachers and friends always knew where to find me whenever I was not in class.’

Newsletter: ‘What was your experience helping to revamp the mini library this summer?’

Riona: ‘The project involved much more than rearranging shelves. Every book had to be reviewed, sorted, catalogued, labelled, and assigned a proper place in the collection. Worn-out and outdated materials were removed, duplicate copies identified, and newly donated books processed. The goal was not only to create an organized collection but also a space that would encourage students to discover books they might not otherwise pick up.

‘One of the most memorable aspects of the project was processing donated books. I was deeply impressed by our teachers’ passion for reading. As I sorted through the donations, I found myself leafing through books contributed by Prof Kenneth YOUNG, Prof Suk Ying WONG, Prof Vincent CHEUNG, Prof Amos TAI, Dr Heidi HUANG, Dr Henry CHOI, and many other members of the college community. Their selections revealed a remarkable diversity of interests and perspectives.’

‘Another memorable aspect of handling these personal donations was discovering the stories hidden within them. I came across bookmarks bearing professors’ handwritten notes and words of encouragement, well-thumbed fiction paperbacks that seemed to have accompanied friendships within our college, and old reference books that had travelled through different institutions before finally finding a home in our library. Each item carries traces of its own journey through annotations, creases, and signs of long use.

‘These discoveries reminded me that a library is much more than a room filled with books. It is a living archive of the people who have passed through it, quietly preserving their memories and experiences. While our mini library may be modest in size, it holds something equally valuable: a sense of legacy, community, and intimacy.’

Newsletter: ‘What book would you recommend to a first-time visitor to the library, and why?’

Riona: ‘As I mentioned, my interests lie in crime-scene investigations and encyclopaedias. One book I would highly recommend is Junk Science and the American Criminal Justice System.

‘We often hear that evidence is everything, whether in debates, scientific research, or courtroom trials. However, the book tells the story of cases in which people placed unquestioning trust in forensic evidence without properly verifying its reliability. The consequences were devastating, with innocent individuals spending decades behind bars.

‘For me, it is a powerful reminder that we should never accept information blindly. Instead, we must constantly question, verify, and seek the truth before believing or sharing what we encounter, especially in today’s technology-driven world.’

Newsletter: ‘What message would you like to share with your fellow students?’

Riona: ‘I know reading may not seem as attractive as technology these days. Nevertheless, I still believe that books remain one of the best ways to broaden our horizons and better understand the world around us. They challenge our thinking, cultivate our curiosity, and encourage us to slow down in an increasingly fast-paced world.

‘So my message to fellow students is simple: make time to explore the shelves, pick up a book that catches your eye, and allow yourself the joy of discovery. You never know when a random book might introduce you to a new perspective, a new passion, or even a new direction in life.’

In addition to expressing her heartfelt gratitude to Riona, Dr HUANG also gave credit to all the colleagues in the College Office for their administrative and resource support, as well as their effective coordination, which ensured the project’s successful completion. She also thanked the College’s cleaning team for their attentive work in maintaining a clean and welcoming reading environment.