How about stepping into a time capsule shaped like an octagon? That’s precisely what awaits us at the \u6fb3\u9580\u4e2d\u83ef\u7e3d\u5546\u6703\u9644\u8a2d\u95b1\u66f8\u5831\u5ba4 Biblioteca Publica da Associa\u00e7ao Comercial de Macau.
Known locally as the Octagonal Pavilion Library, this unique structure is more than just a building. It represents Macau’s blend of cultures and its dedication to knowledge. Let’s dive into the story of Macau’s first Chinese library and one of its earliest public libraries.
The \u6fb3\u9580\u4e2d\u83ef\u7e3d\u5546\u6703\u964\u8a2d\u95b1\u66f8\u5831\u5ba4 Biblioteca Publica da Associa\u00e7ao Comercial de Macau finds its home within the serene Camões Garden. Its story began in 1926. Architect Chan Kun-Pui designed this two-story building. In 1927, the structure was completed. Initially, this building served as a restaurant and a billiards room for the South Bay Garden.
Fast forward to 1947. Mr. Ho Yin, the then vice-chairman of the Macau Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, purchased the Octagonal Pavilion. He donated it to the association. His vision was to create a public reading room.
On November 1, 1948, the \u6fb3\u9580\u4e2d\u83ef\u7e3d\u5546\u6703\u964\u8a2d\u95b1\u66f8\u5831\u5ba4 Biblioteca Publica da Associa\u00e7ao Comercial de Macau officially opened. The Governor of Macau, Albano Rodrigues de Oliveira, presided over the opening ceremony. Since then, it has continuously served the public.
The building itself is a sight to behold. It resembles a traditional Chinese pavilion. Emerald green tiles adorn the roof. Vermillion windows add a splash of color. Its octagonal shape gives it its nickname.
The Macau Post Office recognized its architectural and historical value. In 2005, it featured the library in a stamp series dedicated to Macau’s libraries.
Stepping inside, you might notice something unique. The library still uses the Tu’s Chinese book classification method. It is one of the few Chinese libraries still employing this system.
The \u6fb3\u9580\u4e2d\u83ef\u7e3d\u5546\u6703\u964\u8a2d\u95b1\u66f8\u5831\u5ba4 Biblioteca Publica da Associa\u00e7ao Comercial de Macau houses a collection of over 22,000 books. An additional 15,000 volumes are stored in the Macau Chinese General Chamber of Commerce’s library. It also boasts a collection of over 90 newspapers and periodicals. The majority of these are in Chinese.
For those researching Macau’s history, especially the 1950s to 1970s, this library is a treasure trove. It holds bound copies of early newspapers. Examples include the “Hua Chiao Daily News,” the “Macao Daily News,” the “Wen Wei Po,” the “Ta Kung Pao,” and the “Guangming Daily.”
Today, the \u6fb3\u9580\u4e2d\u83ef\u7e3d\u5546\u6703\u964\u8a2d\u95b1\u66f8\u5831\u5ba4 Biblioteca Publica da Associa\u00e7ao Comercial de Macau continues to serve the community. It welcomes over 60,000 visitors annually. It lends out approximately 7,000 books and magazines each year.
The library is open to the public. You can visit from 9 AM to 12 PM and again from 7 PM to 10 PM. Keep in mind that it’s closed on Mondays and public holidays.
As we conclude our visit, consider the \u6fb3\u9580\u4e2d\u83ef\u7e3d\u5546\u6703\u964\u8a2d\u95b1\u66f8\u5831\u5ba4 Biblioteca Publica da Associa\u00e7ao Comercial de Macau. It is a place where history, culture, and knowledge converge. It’s a reminder that even within a bustling city, a quiet corner for learning and reflection can always be found.