READ@PolyU: 10 Years of Building Community

Ten years ago, PolyU launched a campus community reading programme called READ@PolyU. Its vision then as today is to build an empathetic, creative, and courageous community of learners and global citizens for whom reading is a source of knowledge and creativity.

Each year, the programme selects a common book and invites the whole campus to read along. The programme kicks off with a Book Distribution event in early September when students pick up their complimentary copy of the book.

10 years of reading with READ@PolyU

This is followed by the meetings of the Book Chat Groups, the small group discussions led by faculty facilitators.

Once the conversation gets started, a host of events immerse students in the written word—from creative writing workshops and a writing contest to author talks and book exhibitions.

Students from every division and faculty join the Book Chat Groups

The 2020 Program

This year we have chosen our first ever short story collection: Exhalation by science fiction writer Ted Chiang.

These stories have been described as “delirious”, “exquisite”, “thrilling”, and “thought-provoking” by reviewers.

Pick up a complimentary copy of the book at the Library (PolyU students only) during the first week of semester. Alternatively, read along with the e-book via ProQuest or Ebscohost.

Once you’ve read a story or two, join our many exciting events in 2020! Most of them will be carried out online this year!

• Book Distribution: 7 – 18 September
• Online Book Chat Sessions: 21 September – 9 October
• [Webinar] A Journey to Ted Chiang’s Reimagined Future: 15 October
• [Webinar] The Truth about Science Fiction: 23 October
• Read to Know! open online course: Opens September
• Exhibition on the Best Science Fictions: Mid October to November
• Writing Workshop and Contest: November to December

Stay up to date by checking the website. See you at the Library!