Last year, the Executive Council endorsed a proposal of strengthening the role of district councils (DCs) by involving DCs in the management of some district facilities, such as libraries, leisure grounds, sports venues and swimming pools (including beaches) to ensure that district needs are better met.

According to the consultation document on ‘Review on the Role, Functions and Composition of District Councils’, a District Facilities Management Committee (DFMC) will be set up under each DC for the management of district facilities. Under this proposal, DFMCs will take part in the management of all district public libraries (with the exception of the Hong Kong Central Library and the Basic Law Library), which includes reviewing the library operation and usage of district libraries, formulating annual plans of library extension activities, and making recommendations on the development of library collections and mobile library services.

A pilot scheme has recently been launched this January, under which DCs in Wan Chai, Wong Tai Sin, Sai Kung and Tuen Mun districts start to take part in the management of leisure and cultural facilities. Full implementation in all 18 districts will start from the next DC term in 2008. Last December, district councillors from some of the pilot districts visited the libraries in their own districts in order to familiarize themselves with the facilities, services and mode of operation of public libraries.

DC involvement will bring new enhancements to library collections, design and fittings that would better suit the needs of local readers. There will also be a greater variety of extension activities for readers of different age groups, as well as better collaboration with local organizations and school liaison groups to promote reading and lifelong learning.

Wan Chai:
* Having one district library (Lockhart Road Public Library) and one small library (Wong Nai Chung Public Library)
* Renovation work in Lockhart Road Public Library will start in mid 2007 and is expected to complete in early 2008.

Wong Tai Sin:
* Having two district libraries (San Po Kong and Ngau Chi Wan Public Libraries), four small libraries (Lung Hing, Lok Fu, Tsz Wan Shan and Fu Shan Public Libraries) and three mobile library stops
* The newly renovated Ngau Chi Wan Public Library resumed full service in November 2006.

Sai Kung:
*　 Having two district libraries (Sai Kung and Tseung Kwan O Public Libraries) and six mobile library stops

Tuen Mun:
* Having one main library (Tuen Mun Public Library), one district library (Tai Hing Public Library), one small library (Butterfly Estate Public Library) and six mobile library stops
* Renovation work in Tuen Mun Public Library finished in November 2006.