Book Discussion with Grace Tioso
Petra Christian University Library, Program of English Creative Industry, and held a book discussion on June 5, 2026 at the Library’s 7th Floor Area. The book discussion about “Perkumpulan Anak Luar Nikah” was lively. This session featured the author Grace Tioso, who shared her perspective on the book. This activity provided a space for shared reflection to discuss identity and the meaning of being part of the Indonesian nation. Participants appeared enthusiastic about the event. The question and answer session was interactive, with various questions from participants. In addition to the book discussion, there was a book bazaar featuring books written by the speakers and various books by other authors. Through the book discussion and the accompanying book bazaar, it is hoped that literacy will not stop at reading, but also need to be followed by a space for discussion and the exchange of ideas.
Literacy Workshop: Speed Reading
Library@Petra had the wonderful opportunity to visit Petra 3 Christian Senior High School and hold a Literacy Workshop focusing on Speed-Reading. The literacy workshop focusing on speed reading for senior high school students, led by Petra Christian University librarians. This literacy workshop aimed to help students improve their reading speed without compromising their comprehension of the material. During the workshop, students learned speed-reading technique using the SQ3R method (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review). In addition, our librarians provided practical exercises designed to enhance both speed-reading and comprehension, enabling students to process information more efficiently. The enthusiasm and curiosity demonstrated by the students of Petra 3 Christian Senior High School Surabaya made the session engaging, interactive, and memorable. We would like to sincerely thank Petra 3 Christian Senior High School Surabaya for inviting us and providing such a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere. It was truly a pleasure to share knowledge and learn together with the students. We hope this literacy workshop will inspire students to improve their learning productivity and accelerate their understanding of academic materials.
Petra Parade 2026: Exploring The Bright Future
From May 6th to May 8th, 2026, LibraryATPetra took part in the vibrant celebration of Petra Parade 2026. Bringing together faculties and support units from across the university, this special event also featured students and teachers from Petra Christian University’s partner high schools, providing them with a firsthand experience of campus life through a variety of engaging activities. Throughout the event, visitors enjoyed dance performance and live performances by talented school bands, cultural performance, orchestra performance, campus tour, and other fun activities. As part of the celebration, LibraryATPetra participated by hosting interactive games such as card matching and trivia quizzes for visitors. These activities not only entertained guests but also introduced them to library services in a fun and interactive way. Through Petra Parade 2026, LibraryATPetra had the pleasure of connecting with all visitors, sharing the joy of learning and the friendly community spirit of Petra Christian University.
Surabaya Memory 2026: Surabaya, Cerita yang Terus Hidup
Petra Christian University Library has launched the exhibition “Surabaya Memory 2026” as part of its efforts to commemorate the anniversary of the Surabaya City. This year’s Surabaya Memory features the theme “Surabaya: A Story That Lives On”. Surabaya Memory 2026 aims to bridge the gap between an understanding of the city’s history and the lived experiences of today’s generation. It presents Surabaya not merely as something that “has happened,” but also as something that is “ongoing” and continuously evolving. Various activities include an exhibition of visual documentation of Surabaya, an exhibition of books collection about Surabaya, and active visitor engagement through interactive installations that allow them to share their experiences and perspectives on the city. Additionally, this event aims to introduce Surabaya, the city where the university is located to students, particularly new students and prospective students, so that they not only get to know the campus academically but also understand the urban environment that will be part of their academic journey.
Workshop: Chinese Knots
The Traditional Chinese Knots workshop provided an interactive and hands-on learning experience as part of introducing the heritage of craft and visual expression within Chinese culture. During the session, participants learned the basic techniques of knot-making and explored the various forms and patterns that have developed within this traditional craft. Chinese knots are widely recognized as decorative elements with strong artistic value and are commonly featured in celebrations and handcrafted works. In an engaging and participatory setting, participants had the opportunity to practice the knotting process directly, developing precision and hand skills while appreciating the distinctive visual details of this craft tradition. The workshop served as a creative learning space that introduced cultural heritage through practical experience. The session was facilitated by Jessica Nondolesmono, B.Ed., M.TCSOL., Lecturer at the Chinese Department of Petra Christian University, who guided participants in understanding both the techniques and the cultural context of Chinese knotting as a traditional craft.
Exhibition: Stories Written and Lived
CCIS (Center for Chinese Indonesian Studies) is a study center under the Institute for Research and Community Services (LPPM) of Petra Christian University. Its main focus is in the studies of things related to the lives of Chinese Indonesian community. The Chinese Indonesian community has been part of Indonesia since long before the nation was formally established. However, many aspects of this community have not yet been widely studied in academic research. From their early migration from China to the present day, Chinese Indonesians have experienced significant processes of localization and acculturation that have shaped a distinct identity and diverse ways of life. CCIS focuses its attention on understanding and studying these processes. CCIS works with many different stakeholders to carry out its mission. It supports academic communities in learning more about the lives of Chinese Indonesians through research and reliable information. CCIS collects and shares data and resources that can be used for national and international development. At the same time, it provides accessible information for the wider public to help build understanding and promote harmonious relationships among people from different ethnic backgrounds. This exhibition features materials from CCIS, part of Petra Christian University Library’s special collections, and explores Chinese Indonesian experiences through the theme “Stories Written and Lived”. It presents two interconnected forms of storytelling. The written narratives are presented through books and research papers that examine Chinese Indonesian identity, history, and intellectual life. The lived narratives are conveyed through archival photographs documenting the development of evangelism in Indonesia by Chinese Indonesian descendants, capturing moments of mission, service, and community life. The exhibition also features a student work portraying the acculturation of Chinese and Indonesia wedding culture known as “Cina Benteng”, highlighting another dimension of Chinese Indonesian presence in Indonesian society. To extend the experience beyond the exhibition space, a series of accompanying activities are offered. Visitors who borrow books from the CCIS collection will receive a free keychain as a small token of appreciation. The exhibition is also complemented by fun activities, a Chinese knot workshop, and literacy classes, all designed to encourage learning, reflection, and meaningful engagement with the stories presented.
Launching: “Terang Dari Timur” Christmas Tree 2025
“Terang Dari Timur” Christmas tree is a distinctive 7-meter-tall Christmas tree inspired by Papua. It combines a wooden structure, Christmas lights, and generative-AI motifs influenced by Papuan cultural symbols such as the Tifa drum, Honai traditional house, Asmat shield, Lesung canoe, Noken woven bag, Cassowary crown, and the Bird of Paradise. Enriched with traditional Papuan musical instruments, the tree presents the beauty of art, nature, and Papuan identity in a form that is warm and filled with joy. As a representation of Papua—the easternmost region of Indonesia—this tree embodies cultural harmony in welcoming the light of Christmas for all. The name “Terang Dari Timur” symbolizes the coming of Christ’s light that shines upon the world, just as the sun rises in the east bringing new hope. In the meaning of Christmas, “Terang Dari Timur” also reflects the light that appeared at the birth of Jesus—the light that broke through the darkness, guided the Magi, and proclaimed good news to all nations. If the university’s Christmas theme emphasizes mission and the care we share with others, this tree leads us back to the True Light who first gave, first loved, and became the reason we are able to share that light with the world. In the context of Papua, this tree stands as a symbol that the peace, love, and hope of Christmas reach every corner of the archipelago, including the land of Papua. Each Papuan cultural element represented in the tree affirms one message: that amid the diversity of ethnicities and traditions, the light of Christ is present to unite, strengthen, and bring new life to humanity. The tree also reminds us that this light is not only to be celebrated, but to be carried forward—inviting each person to become a bearer of love, compassion, and joy to others.
Book Review & Talkshow “Sticky Lectures: Metode Ceramah yang Melekat”
Lecture-based teaching methods often receive negative reactions among educators. They are frequently perceived as outdated and monotonous. However, in reality, lectures are still widely used in teaching, even if not delivered in long durations or large portions. Recognizing this reality led the author to conduct research on how lecture methods can still create meaningful and lasting learning experiences for students. Based on this research, a book was written to invite lecturers and educators to revisit the fundamental steps of teaching that can leave a lasting impact on students and other audiences. The book Sticky Lectures serves as a reminder of the “basic steps” in the “dance” of teaching. It explores various factors that make a lecture memorable and impactful. Rather than offering a rigid formula to be applied mechanically, the book presents a collection of principles and steps that can be creatively combined to produce teaching with greater influence and effectiveness. The launch of this book is expected to contribute positively to higher education, where lectures continue to be commonly used. It aims to equip educators with practical insights for more meaningful teaching, ultimately supporting better education and bringing glory to God.
Science Film Festival 2025: Green Jobs
For more than two decades, the Science Film Festival has demonstrated how film can transform science communication into an engaging, inspiring, and accessible learning experience. In 2025, the festival reached 953,828 viewers across 20 countries under the theme Green Jobs, highlighting how sustainable professions contribute to environmental protection, innovation, and social well-being. Beyond film screenings, the festival promotes hands-on learning through workshops, experiments, and interactive discussions accompanying the program. These activities encourage participants to connect scientific ideas with everyday life, reflect on future career choices, and develop practical skills related to sustainability and climate action. Particularly in regions with limited access to quality science education, the Science Film Festival plays a vital role in making science more approachable and relevant for young generations. By showcasing real-world solutions and introducing green career opportunities, the festival fosters curiosity, strengthens educational networks, and once again demonstrates the power of film to inspire dialogue and collective action toward a more sustainable future. This year, Petra Christian University Library serves as a venue partner of Goethe-Institut Indonesia in hosting the Science Film Festival. The program invites junior high school students from partner schools and elementary school students from nearby schools to participate in film screenings and accompanying educational activities. Through this collaboration, the library hopes to inspire more young learners to explore science in ways that are creative, meaningful, and relevant to future challenges.
Exhibition: Sustainable Innovation for the Future
In collaboration with students from the Mechanical Engineering Department under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Juliana Anggono, S.T., M.Sc., and students from the Architecture Department supervised by Mr. Gunawan Tanuwidjaja, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., IAI, Petra Christian University Library showcases selected student works related to sustainable innovation in an exhibition entitled “Sustainable Innovation for the Future.” The exhibition features various projects that reflect creative thinking and practical solutions to contemporary environmental challenges. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students develop ideas that emphasize not only technical and design aspects, but also social impact, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability. This initiative represents Petra Christian University Library’s commitment to fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and providing a platform for students to present their innovative works to the wider community. The library serves not only as a center for information, but also as a dynamic space that encourages research, idea exploration, and the development of sustainable solutions for the future.