MACAU – The newly opened Patane Library is being celebrated not just for its vast collection of books and media, but as a stunning example of urban revitalization that honors Macau’s rich history. The feature article by Mark O’Neill, published by Macau Daily Times, highlights the library’s successful transformation from a row of derelict buildings into a vibrant social and cultural hub for the Inner Harbor community.
The article, which can be read in full here, details the library’s journey from conception to completion. It notes that since its opening ceremony in December 2017, presided over by Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, and former IC President Ung Vai Meng, the library has become an instant community asset, attracting approximately 700 visitors daily.
A Bridge Between Past and Present
The seven buildings that now form the Patane Library date back to the 1930s, originally serving as timber shops for the area’s once-thriving shipyards. As the city’s economy evolved, the structures fell into disrepair. In 2010, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) intervened with a visionary plan to restore the historic property rather than see it demolished.
The six-year, MOP26 million restoration project was a labor of love and precision. Architect Lam Kai Wun from the IC’s Department of Cultural Heritage explained the philosophy behind the project in the feature article: “Building on empty land is the easiest and costs less… but there is nothing special about it. It has no story. This site is more valuable than a new building.”
The meticulous preservation work included retaining the original façade, repairing foundations on the reclaimed land, and incorporating historic elements like the old wood windows and doors into the new design. “The story goes on and, we hope, will be told from one generation to the next,” Lam is quoted as saying.
Meeting Modern Community Needs
The decision to create a library was driven by clear community demand. Lo Chi Keong, chief of the Division of Reader Services and Promotion, noted in the article that the existing Red Market Library was too small to serve the area adequately. The Patane Library fulfills the IC’s aim of placing a public library within a 5-10 minute walking distance for every resident.
Spanning 1,130 square meters over three floors, the new library offers 170 seats, a collection of 14,000 books, 4,100 audiovisual materials, and an impressive selection of 79 newspapers and 643 magazines from around the world. It features specialized collections in drama and music, a multi-media zone, a meeting room, and modern amenities like a lift and climate control, all seamlessly integrated within the historic shell.
A New Chapter for the Neighborhood
The Patane Library stands as a prime example of how to thoughtfully blend heritage with modernity. It has quickly become a daily destination for all generations—from seniors who queue in the morning for newspapers, to professionals on their lunch break, and students and families in the afternoon.
We invite you to experience this celebrated piece of Macau’s history for yourself. The Patane Library is open to the public and continues to write its new chapter as a cornerstone of the community.
For more information such as opening times, please visit: Macao Public Library Information Website
About Patane Library:
The Patane Library is a public library managed by the Cultural Affairs Bureau(IC) of Macau. Housed in a row of seven meticulously restored 1930s buildings, it serves as a community hub specializing in drama and music collections, offering a unique blend of historical architecture and modern library services.