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The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) launched \u201cMacao Just Read \u2013 National Reading Campaign Week 2026\u201d on Thursday, promoting 10 minutes of daily reading through more than 100 activities, including new \u201c10-Minute Reading Corners\u201d and collaborations across the Greater Bay Area (GBA).<\/p>\n
Unveiled at a 10 a.m. ceremony in the Macau Cultural Centre\u2019s Small Theatre, the program aligns with the mainland\u2019s 15th Five-Year Plan. It aims to brand Macau as a \u201cCity of Reading\u201d and bolster public cultural services, IC president Deland Leong said.<\/p>\n
Led by the IC alongside the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) and the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS), the initiative fosters lifelong reading habits through enhanced library facilities, targeted activities, and community outreach.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year\u2019s National Reading Activity Week [\u2026] advocates \u201810 minutes of reading\u2019 every day, during which more than 100 diverse reading activities will be launched,\u201d Leong said. The effort includes expanded demonstration sites with partner departments.<\/p>\n
The citywide Reading Week extends beyond Macau\u2019s borders by establishing \u201creading points\u201d in Hengqin\u2019s Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, along with cross-border initiatives.<\/p>\n
Leong noted, \u201cThe IC will join forces with seven major cities, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Hong Kong, Nanning and Haikou, to hold a \u2018half-hour reading together\u2019 activity.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReading promotion is not only a cultural work, but also an important way to improve the city\u2019s humanistic literacy and enhance citizens\u2019 sense of cultural gain and well-being,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
To address residents\u2019 reading needs across all age groups, the IC will host book exchanges, journal bestsellers, parent-child activities, reading experiences, book exhibitions and lectures at the Macau Cultural Centre and Plaza this weekend.<\/p>\n
Central Library update<\/p>\n
Regarding the new Central Library, Leong said construction is progressing smoothly, with basement works completed late last year and superstructure work starting in March 2026. Completion is expected in 2028.<\/p>\n
She described progress as proceeding in an \u201corderly manner\u201d as planned. The four-storey library, designed by Dutch firm Mecanoo, will cater to all age groups with an open lobby, lounge, light dining area, activity spaces and a multifunctional lecture hall. Dedicated zones will serve children, teens, adults and seniors.<\/p>\n
Further details remain under refinement.<\/p>\n
On hiring practices for cultural activities, Leong assured the media of strict oversight for outsourced events. She said all official events and tendered projects explicitly require the use of legally employed Macau workers in contracts, supported by follow-up mechanisms. She added that no cases of illegal employment of undocumented workers have been found so far, and authorities will continue to closely monitor the situation.<\/p>\n
Simple stage in outdoor venue for local arts<\/p>\n
On the sidelines of the Reading Week launch, the IC president also addressed plans to optimize Macau\u2019s outdoor performance area. She said the venue has hosted temporary attractions since March, including a children\u2019s mini non-motorized kart track and a three-on-three basketball court.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe plan to set up an area there, with a simpler stage, so that local community groups, artists, or troupes can make better use of it and hold performances there. We hope that by outsourcing the operation of the entire venue in the future, we can better meet market needs and have more flexibility,\u201d Leong said.<\/p>\n
Leong noted that another performance is scheduled at the venue for June 2, with applications already received by an organization.<\/p>\n
The bureau also said it plans to put the venue\u2019s operation out to public tender in the second half of 2026 to enhance flexibility.<\/p>\n
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