Tianjin University Kicks Off 2025 Reading Month

As Tianjin University (TJU), known as China’s first modern university, celebrates its 130th anniversary, the campus is embracing a renewed emphasis on reading as a way to understand its history, culture, and academic mission.

The 2025 TJU Reading Month officially opened on November 7 at Zhengdong Library with a launch ceremony and a themed sharing session titled Understanding 130-Year-Old TJU Through Books. The event announced the full program for this year’s Reading Month and presented a curated set of publications to all 35 schools, departments, and major student reading clubs. Nearly 350 faculty and students attended, engaging with authors and editors who introduced key works documenting TJU’s development.

Upon entering the library’s exhibition area, attendees encountered a thematic display of nearly 30 scholar-recommended titles. These works include university histories, biographies of distinguished faculty, alumni reflections, and accounts from student advisors. Together, they present a concise portrait of TJU’s 130-year academic heritage and the enduring values that have shaped generations of teachers and students.

At the ceremony, Yang Huan, head of the Publicity Department, noted that TJU’s 130th anniversary is an important moment to inherit tradition, cultivate academic character, and strengthen cohesion through reading. He emphasized that reading is essential for deepening cultural understanding and inspiring the university community to pursue excellence in talent development and scientific innovation.

The 2025 Reading Month includes 68 activities under three themes: strengthening a sense of responsibility through reading, exploring classical and philosophical works, and promoting future-oriented learning. Wang Xin presented the program highlights, which include reading salons, activities centered on classical texts and traditional culture, interdisciplinary reading for emerging engineering fields, technology experience sessions, and featured reading programs organized by the schools.

To broaden participation, the university also prepared a collective donation of more than 40 books, including 13 titles for each school and major reading club. University leaders presented the books to student representatives and formally launched the Reading Month through a symbolic opening ceremony.

A thematic sharing session followed, exploring the university’s history, influential figures, and academic culture. Speakers introduced recent publications on TJU’s institutional development and faculty achievements, as well as accessible science writings designed to inspire young researchers. They also reflected on the values highlighted in these works, underscoring TJU’s long-standing commitment to seeking truth, fostering character, and advancing education and research for national development.

The 2025 Reading Month and its related academic activities will continue throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, encouraging the TJU community to learn through reading and uphold the university’s enduring scholarly spirit.

By: Chen Xuan

Editor: Qin Mian