In every university, there’s a place that holds more than just books — it holds stories, emotions, and quiet strength. At Albukhary International University (AIU), that place is the Library — a sanctuary where curiosity meets comfort, and learning meets belonging.
On 16 October 2025, the AIU Library — through its Centre of Reference — hosted the seventh installment of its inspiring CORPY TALK series titled “Beyond Borrowing: How the Library Became My Safe Space.”
This wasn’t just another talk.
It was a moment of reflection, vulnerability, and celebration — a reminder that libraries are not only about knowledge but also about connection.
💬 Voices that Touched the Heart
The session featured four incredible student speakers — Rim Hasan Qaid Al-Morhi, Ummusalma Othman Adam, Madiha Safi, and Stalin Zunguzira — moderated by Leroy Nyasha Mangwarara, whose warmth and curiosity brought every story to life.
Each speaker shared deeply personal experiences: moments of loneliness turned into friendship, struggles transformed into strength, and how the library became their second home in a foreign land.
One quote from Stalin Zunguzira left the room in awe:
“We came to the library not just to borrow books, but also to borrow wisdom.”
It was simple yet profound — a line that captured the soul of the evening and resonated with everyone present.
🌍 A Place Beyond Pages
The AIU Library isn’t just a physical space; it’s a living environment that nurtures emotional well-being, supports academic success, and creates a sense of community.
From late-night study sessions to quiet corners of reflection, the library stands as a pillar of peace — a reminder that no one at AIU walks their journey alone.
Students shared how the library helped them through homesickness, exam stress, and cultural transitions. For many, it became a space where silence speaks comfort, where books whisper courage, and where staff smiles make the day a little brighter.
🌱 The Heart of CORPY TALK
Inspired by the Human Library Movement, CORPY TALK is one of AIU’s most heartfelt initiatives. It turns students into “living books” — each with a story worth hearing.
Through open conversations, laughter, and shared wisdom, CORPY TALK fosters empathy and understanding among AIU’s multicultural community — a reflection of the university’s mission to Inspire Minds and Transform Lives.
✨ Looking Ahead
As the seventh session wrapped up, one thing was clear:
The AIU Library is not just a resource centre — it’s a safe space, a support system, and a symbol of unity.
Through initiatives like CORPY TALK, the library continues to inspire, reminding every student that growth begins not only in what we read, but in how we listen and share.
Because sometimes, the greatest stories aren’t found in books — they’re found in each other.
