China book corner launched at University of Guyana library to boost cultural bonds

Jun 21, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – The University of Guyana (UG) library has officially expanded its global literature collection following the inauguration of the ‘China Book Corner’ on Monday, June 15. The initiative, done in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown, aims to deepen cultural understanding and people-to-people bonds between the two nations through literature.

The ribbon-cutting and handing-over ceremony was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, UG Vice-Chancellor Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, University Librarian Dr. Simone Bernard, faculty, and students.

China book corner launched at University of Guyana library to boost cultural bonds

The China Book Corner

During the event, Ambassador Yang presented the library with a donation of English-language texts. The collection includes prominent titles such as “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China,” “Selected Readings from the Works of Xi Jinping,” “Up and Out of Poverty,” and “Decoding New Quality Productive Forces.”

Ambassador Yang stated that “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China” systematically reflects President Xi Jinping’s new ideas, new thoughts, and new strategies on governance, providing an authoritative interpretation for the international community to understand China’s domestic and foreign policies.

“The China Book Corner will serve as a window for enhancing mutual learning and people-to-people bonds between China and Guyana,” Ambassador Yang said during his address. “It would help Guyanese readers gain a better understanding of China’s governance philosophies and the richness and diversity of Chinese culture, and thereby perceive a true, multi-dimensional, and comprehensive picture of China.”

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Yang made an impassioned plea for the preservation of physical reading in an increasingly digital world.

“In this digital age, screens are almost everywhere. Getting information has never been easier. But I still believe that reading printed books has an irreplaceable value,” Yang noted. “When you open a printed book, you feel the texture of the paper. You smell the ink. You even enjoy the sound of turning pages. In that moment, you feel that the whole world belongs to you. Printed books are like friends with profound wisdom. They wait quietly to share with us. They help us slow down, calm down, and truly think.”

The ambassador explained that the curated books cover a wide array of topics, from China’s modernisation strategies for its 1.4 billion population and its poverty alleviation efforts, to its legal framework, anti-corruption campaigns, and foreign policy goals.

“Through these books, I hope you can better understand the real China. Not just its achievements, but also its challenges,” he added.

The diplomat also highlighted the striking parallels between Guyana and China, despite differences in geographical size and population. He pointed to a shared anti-colonial history and a mutual focus on human-centric development, specifically praising President Irfaan Ali’s recent weekly family day initiative in Georgetown as a “perfect idea” that mirrors China’s focus on family and community well-being.

Furthermore, Yang drew a comparison between the multicultural fabrics of both nations, noting that while Guyana celebrates its six peoples, China comprises 56 ethnic groups.

“We often say, ‘Ethnic groups should be as tightly united as pomegranate seeds.’ ‘Inclusiveness’ and ‘unity’ are the key spirits in China and Guyana’s culture. These commonalities lay a solid foundation for our mutual understanding and learning,” Yang stated. He invited the university community to treat the space as a small “garden of ideas.”

In response, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin expressed deep gratitude to the Chinese government for the donation, emphasizing that the China Book Corner exemplifies the profound friendship and cultural mutual learning between the two countries.

She noted that the dedicated space will undoubtedly further stimulate the Guyanese public’s interest and enthusiasm for learning about China.

The launch marks the latest in a series of collaborative projects between the Embassy and the university this year, which previously included a flash performance by a Chinese acrobatic troupe during UG’s Open Day in April and the “Chinese Bridge” Competition hosted by the Confucius Institute.

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China Book Corner, cultural bonds, library, University of Guyana

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