|
With the full implementation of District Council Review in 18 districts this January, a District Facilities Management Committee (DFMC) is to be set up under each District Council (DC) to participate in the management of district facilities, including all district public libraries (except the Hong Kong Central Library and the Basic Law Library).
A pilot scheme was carried out in Wan Chai, Wong Tai Sin, Sai Kung and Tuen Mun districts last year to pave the way for a smooth and effective roll-out of the new arrangements. Under the scheme, DCs of the four pilot districts were involved in reviewing the mode of daily 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.
Through the pilot scheme, new projects had also been carried out to better meet the needs and aspiration of local residents of the pilot districts. They included the trial extension of opening hours for public libraries in Sai Kung, promotion of reading in the community as well as the Community Libraries Partnership Scheme in Tuen Mun, a series of talks on Wan Chai history and English story-telling sessions in Wan Chai, a series of talks for the elderly and the Family Play Workshops with Toys in Wong Tai Sin.
DC involvement will bring new developments in library services. Library collections, design and fittings of libraries will be enhanced to better suit the needs of local readers in districts. There will also be a greater variety of extension activities to meet the needs of local communities with diverse demographic characteristics, as well as a better collaboration between libraries and schools or local organizations to promote reading and lifelong learning.
Library projects under the pilot scheme in 2007:
|
Library News 
