World Book and Copyright Day: “SNHM’s 10th Anniversary: The Joy of Reading” Special Event Was Held

On April 19, 2025, the Shanghai Natural History Museum (SNHM) (Branch of Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, SSTM) hosted a special World Book and Copyright Day event titled “SNHM’s 10th Anniversary: The Joy of Reading.” The event created a multi-sensory journey across time and space by combining immersive interactive experiences, innovative science communication, and in-depth knowledge exploration. Breaking free from the confines of printed pages, scientific knowledge came alive in vivid three-dimensional forms, planting seeds of curiosity in visitors’ hearts that promise to blossom into wisdom in the future.

“The Joy of Reading” is an educational brand developed by the SNHM based on its original science publications. Since its launch in 2022, the program has hosted World Book and Copyright Day themed activities for four consecutive years, reaching over 90,000 participants. This year’s event featured ten online and offline interactive activities, including “Green Snail Reading Show,” “Reading Garden Party,” “Reading Birthday Celebration,” and “Reading Live Stream.”

The event also featured a lecture by Ni Minjing, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and director of the SSTM, who delivered an enlightening talk on “Neuroscience and Reading.” With his witty eloquence, profound knowledge, and unique insights, Director Ni captivated the audience, particularly inspiring young participants to maintain their passion for knowledge, cultivate good reading and critical thinking habits, and confidently embrace a future full of possibilities through continuous exploration.

The SNHM also unveiled its latest original popular science book Insects Are Never Boring and the pop-up book Gastropod Tales: The Paleo Restaurant as a highlight of the event. The authors led visitors to travel beyond time and space and into the paleo restaurant, learning about the “star dishes” and their paleontological significance while creating three-dimensional birthday cards with ancient life themes.