Overlooking the Victoria Park, the 12-storey high Hong Kong Central Library, since its opening in May 2001, has become one of the prominent landmarks of the Hong Kong Island. It is also a popular place frequented by book lovers, students, families and those interested in literature and art, with an average daily attendance of 14,000.
Providing comprehensive library services
While the unique arch-shaped doorway at the facade altitude of the HKCL symbolizes a gateway to knowledge, behind the gateway houses the flagship of the Hong Kong Public Libraries system. The Library plays home to a treasure trove of knowledge housing over 2 million items and a diversity of facilities such as the central reference library, multimedia information system, language learning centre, computer centre and toy library to meet the community’s needs for information, lifelong learning as well as better use of leisure.
Enriching cultural life of community
A number of cultural activities including thematic exhibitions, talks, workshops and seminars have been held at the lecture theatre of the HKCL to enrich the cultural life of citizens. Some of the most impressive events include a series of Lectures by Contemporary Distinguished Scholars, Seminars on Hong Kong History and Exhibition on Treasures of Literature.
The HKCL also hosts a wide variety of well-received annual programmes such as Book Donation and Sale Campaign and Summer Reading Month, as well as the biennial literary events like the Hong Kong Literature Festival and the Hong Kong Biennial Awards for Chinese Literature.
Meeting place for luminaries and overseas library professionals
Luminaries such as renowned Chinese scholar Professor Jao Tsung-I, Professor Paul Chu Ching-wu Vice-chancellor of the HKUST, Nobel Prize winner Professor Yang Cheng-ning assembled for a variety of thematic talks held at the Lecture Theatre of the HKCL, gracing the library with their presence and charisma.
The HKCL has played a significant role in establishing co-operative links with leading overseas libraries. During the years, the Library has received delegates from the Cologne Public Library, the National Library of China, the Urban Libraries Council of North America and the National Library Board of Singapore, with a view to sharing resources, exchanging experience and developing joint programme for mutual benefits.
Awards mean recognition
Since its opening, the HKCL has devoted much efforts in providing quality library services. Such efforts were highly recognized when the Library won the second runner-up in the Front-line Service category of the 2003/04 Outstanding Customer Service Award and its Multimedia Information System also clinched a number of awards.
Expecting the 30-millionth reader
Over the years, the HKCL has leveraged on its advanced information technology and computer facilities in providing comprehensive and people-oriented library services. It has also been actively organizing a number of well-received reading, literary and cultural activities for the public. Having attracted over 26 million readers within the first five years of operation, the HKCL will continue to uphold its role as a cultural anchor in enriching knowledge and supporting lifelong learning.
The Library has just turned 5 on 17 May! For more information about the HKCL, please visit the HKPL website at www.hkpl.gov.hk/.
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