THE world’s second-largest floating library, the Doulos Hope, arrived in Hong Kong on May 4 and will stay until May 26. Operated by the German nonprofit charity organization GBA Ships, it set sail in May last year and has since docked in nine different ports across Southeast Asia. The ship follows the 2015 visit to the city by Logos Hope, another vessel operated by the organization. After stepping onto the deck and passing through corridors lined with souvenirs and specialty mugs, the visitor is met with a clean and bright sea-bound mobile bookstore. Over 2,000 different types of English books are neatly displayed on shelves and categorized into fiction, science, art, cooking, and other categories. Crew members from around the world transform into librarians, moving between the shelves to assist clients. From 12:30 p.m. onward, the Doulos Hope opens its doors to the public. Many parents were seen bringing their little ones to purchase storybooks and practice workbooks, while young adults browse quietly, selecting books and souvenirs. Books are affordably priced, ranging from HK$5 (US$0.64) to HK$200. To encourage more purchases, the team offers special deals on some books, such as three books for HK$20, a discount rivaling even the annual Hong Kong Book Fair. Souvenirs include patterned cups, T-shirts, keychains, pens, and a paper model ship kit, given for free to boarding visitors to create their own “Doulos Hope.” Ms. Zhu took her son to this special “floating book fair,” where the boy found some math and English workbooks that he said could “help me learn English.” Mr. Wan, carrying a small basket filled with novels, was an old friend. He said that when the Logos Hope visited, he also visited and purchased souvenirs, and found the experience worthwhile. Another visitor, Ms. Deng, chose a book detailing the history of the Doulos Hope and several notebooks as keepsakes and gifts. “The spacious layout of the ship is refreshing,” she said, adding that the Doulos Hope’s visit not only brings books to local markets but also offers a leisure space for Hong Kong residents. When visitors tire from browsing, they can relax in an area offering refreshments. Facing Victoria Harbor, the wooden tables and chairs provide a serene waterfront view. The 85.5-meter-long, 14-meter-wide ship is berthed at Ocean Terminal, Harbor City, in Tsim Sha Tsui, and provides members of the Hong Kong public with a chance not only to browse its books but to meet the crew of 100 volunteers from 25 countries. During their stay, they also engage in various community activities such as giving out food to the needy. (Tang Li) | 