On the afternoon of September 19, 2023, Igor Pacolák, Consul General of Slovakia in Shanghai, visited Chen Chao, Director of Shanghai Library. The two sides held talks in the Reception Hall on the 7th floor of Shanghai Library East. Director Chen welcomed the arrival of Consul General, introduced the collection, circulation, and accreditation data of Shanghai Library, and talked about the development of the "Window of Shanghai" project.

Consul General gave his congratulations on the smooth opening of Shanghai Library East and introduced the situation of Banská Bystrica and Banská Bistrica Library to Director Chen. Shanghai and Banská Bystrica run a long history of relationship, with the latter being the hometown of the famous architect Hudec and also the partner of “Window of Shanghai” as early as 2010. The new director of Banská Bistrica Library was elected in September this year. This time, the Consul General brought a thank-you letter and a batch of gift books in return to Shanghai Library, including some books about Hudec’s life. The Consul General himself also specially selected some books and presented them to Shanghai Library on behalf of the Slovak Consulate General in Shanghai.

After the meeting, the two sides exchanged books and looked forward to further cooperation and exchanges among libraries in the future. Later, Director Chen gave Consul General Igor Pacolák a tour visit of Shanghai Library East, including the eight collections in Treasures Gallery and "Looking at Guqin, Echoes of Three Thousand Years" Exhibition on the 7th floor, the Reading Square and smart shelves on the third floor, and the Children's Area on the first floor. Before leaving, Consul General once again thanked Director Chen for his reception. He said that the Shanghai Library East has left a deep impression on him, and he also looked forward to Director Chen’s visit to Slovakia in the future.