GXU library

Guangxi University's library is the largest library in Guangxi province. Today I went there with a Chinese friend to see if they have some English language books for me to read. I have been craving to read some English fiction since I finished the two novels I brought, a long time ago already.
The library is right opposite the building where I have my daily classes, which has helped me a few times during the daily dictations, since the word 图书馆 (library) is part of our vocabulary, and written in large font on the facade of the building, so I just have to glance outside to refresh my memory.
I met my friend after class in front of the building, which looks like a neo-classical spaceship, and we walked in. He had brought two library cards: his own, and one of his roommate, so I could enter without being a registered cardholder. Security is quite strict, but you can just wave the card without them looking closely at the photo to identify you.
The foreign books department is on the 6th floor, so we took the elevator. At the entrance to the room another security guard, and also anti-theft portals. Inside the foreign books department many students were sitting at numerous tables doing homework. They seem to come here not so much for the foreign books, but mainly for a quiet environment to study. The dormitories for Chinese students have up to 8 students per room, which doesn't really guarantee a suitable environment for serious study.
Most of the shelves in the large room are filled with copies of academic journals and conference proceedings. All major scientific fields are covered: biology, chemistry, computer science, economy, medicine, etc. There are only 2 corridors with fiction. The majority of the novels by American authors, probably donated by generations of foreign teachers. Many classics of American literature, but also the more popular genres of science fiction and crime are well-represented. The European section is much smaller, and dominated by English classics like Dickens, the Irish classics, and some Italian (Calvinho, Dante). The Japanese section is even smaller, occupying just one shelf. Very few contemporary literature.
From a tiny section of translated Chinese authors (into English) I selected a bundle of contemporary short stories titled "The Great Masque, and more stories of life in the city", part of the series "21st century Chinese literature", edited by Li Jingze and published by Foreign Languages Press, Beijng. Maybe it will give me some insight in what goes on in the minds of Chinese people of today.
My friend borrowed the book on my behalf, and I can keep it for a maximum of 55 days, but I won't have much time to read the coming weeks though, since in about a month it will already be the end of the semester, and we will have our final exam..