When was Hong Kong's first public library opened? Where was the first public library in the New Territories set up? In which year was the first mobile library put into operation? As this year marks the 45th anniversary of Hong Kong Public Libraries' services, let's turn the clock 45 years back to the time when Hong Kong's first public library was set up and take a look at the development of our city's public libraries.

Dawning

In March 1962, the City Hall was built and put into operation. The public library housed in its high block marked the beginning of Hong Kong's public library services. At that time, the City Hall Public Library had an initial stock of 20,000 books with a loan quota limited to one book only. Ten thousand library cards were issued in the first month of service, indicating a strong demand for library services at that time.

Growing

The City Hall Public Library was then followed by the coming of a number of new libraries and services, including the first mobile library and music library in 1976, audio cassette home lending service in 1982 and the Kowloon Central Library (i.e. the present Kowloon Public Library) in 1985.

The following decades saw the continual growth in the number of libraries, collection and registered readers. Meanwhile, library services and facilities were also enhanced. For instance, library automation was completed in mid 1990s to give readers more convenient and faster services. In 2000, all public libraries were put under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

Turning a new page

The opening of the Hong Kong Central Library in May 2001 turned a new page in the history of Hong Kong's public libraries. With its state-of-the-art facilities, Multimedia Information System and reference resources and services, the Library has become a major knowledge, information and cultural centre of Hong Kong.

Today, the Hong Kong Public Libraries has developed into a network of 66 static libraries and 10 mobile libraries, serving all parts of the territory. As at end 2006, the system has 3.44 million registered readers and 11.90 million items of collection, and a total of 61 million items of library materials were checked out in the previous year.

Trying to meet society's needs as ever

With the coming of the 21st century, the Hong Kong Public Libraries system continues to make dedicated efforts to provide high-quality library services to the public through the enrichment of library stock and reference and information services, the use of information technology and the promotion of reading habits in the community.

New realms of services include 24-hour online reservation and renewal services, online reference enquiry service, self-charging terminals, book drops and Internet Express Terminals. Library environment has also been improved through the reprovision and renovation of public libraries that have been operated for more than 10 years. In addition, specialized libraries are set up to meet readers' needs for special information, collections from international organizations are enriched to offer access to worldwide information resources and the new Community Libraries Partnership Scheme helps enhance local accessibility to library services.

1976
First mobile library

1/2007
Pilot scheme for four selected district councils to participate in the management of district library facilities