Aiming at cultivating a culture of reading and writing on campus, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Library has introduced a new Short Story Dispenser (the Dispenser), along with a dedicated web portal developed in partnership with the French publishing house Short Édition, in the beginning of the academic year 2024/25.

Located in the main lobby of the University Library, the Dispenser serves as an independent kiosk which offers an innovative way to encourage leisure reading and creative idleness while enhancing the waiting experience. In addition to the physical kiosk, a Short Story Portal for CUHK Library provides online access to the works curated in the Dispenser. It features three categories of literary works: English literature from the public domain and Short Édition, Chinese literature from classical texts and the Hong Kong Literature Database, and the creative works by CUHK members (including the winning entries from the 2022-23 Literary CUHK Essay Competition). Users can select from the three categories in the Kiosk – “English”, “Chinese”, and “CUHK works” – and receive a random print out of a short story, an essay, a poem, or comics on a strip of receipt-like paper. The paper used is environmentally friendly, BPA-free, recyclable, and FSC certified, with the text printed using thermal heat technology.

At the launch ceremony on August 30, 2024, University Librarian Benjamin Meunier said: “The new Short Story Dispenser and online portal at the CUHK Library allow the university community to explore different stories in a more convenient and enjoyable way. We are excited to experiment with this innovative approach to sharing stories with them.”

“Users can also take home ‘CUHK Works’ that showcase the talents of our students and faculty. We look forward to hearing feedback from the CUHK community and hope to extend this storytelling method beyond our campus, sharing Hong Kong literature and other works that resonate with readers.”

Immediately after the launch, a usage study was conducted from 30 August to 12 September 2024 to evaluate the effectiveness of the distinctive and captivating reading experience for both students and faculty. The results of the usage study indicate that the Dispenser enriches the reading experience, encourages creative writing, celebrates the art of storytelling, and emphasises literary works – especially those pertaining to Hong Kong.

Looking ahead, CUHK library will organise events and workshops related to writing, storytelling, and community reading – with the hope that these programmes will instill a sense of ownership and pride among users and encourage their active participation in the library’s literary culture. With the Short Story Dispenser initiative, CHUK can cultivate a passion for reading and writing while reinforcing connections with the academic community.

picture20 short story dispenser hong kong
Short Story Dispenser physical kiosk at the CUHK Library

 

Contributed by Leo F.H. Ma, Chinese University of Hong Kong Library