To further promote reading and enhance collaboration with local community organizations, the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL)  introduced the Libraries@neighbourhood–Community Libraries Partnership Scheme in late 2005. The scheme has achieved encouraging growth as over 20 community libraries have been set up across different districts through which more than 200,000 library items were on loan within a year since its launch.

Providing community-based library services

Under the scheme, community libraries are set up through the cooperation and collaboration between the HKPL and the local bodies and organizations, in which the HKPL offers block loan of books and professional advice to participating organizations. These community libraries further enhance public library services in community level by enabling local residents, with children, teenagers, housewives and senior citizens in particular, to access library books more conveniently for reading, without leaving their neighbourhood.

Community libraries enable local residents, with children, teenagers, housewives and senior citizens in particular, to access library books more conveniently for reading.

Reaching out to a wider spectrum

With the positive support and participation of community organizations, community libraries have been set up in Shamshuipo, Kwun Tong, Yuen Long, Hong Kong Island East, Tai Po, Northern District, Kwai Tsing, Tseung Kwan O, Pak Tin and Ma On Shan. Participating organizations include non-profit making organizations, social service centres, youth centres, club houses, inhabitants associations, educational institutes and district councillors' offices.

Collection in community libraries is carefully selected for the target patrons. For example, books on ways of keeping good health are the major stock in a community library catering for the elderly.

Participating organizations include NGOs, schools, club houses, inhabitants associations and district councillors' offices.

Flexibility encourages participation and sharing

Apart from providing books, the HKPL also offers professional assistance and advice on the operation of the community library and selection of the library materials. The scheme also allows flexibility in the mode of collaboration to better meet the needs of individual organization. With such flexibility, we expect more local community organizations will collaborate with the HKPL in setting up community libraries with creativity and local characteristics.

Local bodies or non-profit making organizations interested in joining the scheme are welcome to contact any Hong Kong Public Libraries for more details.

Books on ways of keeping good health are the major stock in a community library catering for the elderly.


Libraries@neighbourhood — Community Libraries Partnership Scheme
Enquiry：2921 0208
Email：enquiry@lcsd.gov.hk
Website：www.hkpl.gov.hk