Growing with time

Apart from the growing library stock from 20,000 in 1962 to more than 390,000 of today, its facilities and services were also constantly upgraded. 1976 saw the setting up of a music listening library while the whole library was fully computerised in 1994. Besides, it has organised a diversity of value-added services to promote reading, to facilitate cultural exchange, and to support lifelong learning. These services include book exhibitions, literary talks, reading programmes and all kinds of competitions.

Recent enhancement

To meet changing needs, the City Hall Public Library has introduced a number of enhancement to improve its facilities and services since last year. The first phase of renovation was completed last winter. It included the setting up of the Business and Industry Collections in the Reference Library and the opening of the Creativity and Innovation Resource Centre on the 10/F.

The second phase of renovation, recently completed, included the extension of Adult Lending Library to the 5/F, the relocation and extension of the Computer and Information Centre from the 9/F to 6/F in late August, as well as the forthcoming Basic Law Library. The extended section of the Adult Lending Library houses English fiction, English Large Print, oversized books and Music Scores. More books and Compact Discs will also be provided in the Adult Lending Library on 3/F and 4/F for readers' selection. The relocated Computer and Information Centre has increased the number of computer workstations from 10 to 41. Readers are welcome to reserve the use of these workstations to access the Internet and a number of online databases as well as the resources in the Multimedia Information System.

The Basic Law Library is a joint project of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Basic Law Institute. The Basic Law Collection originally housed in the Hong Kong Central Library will be transferred to the Basic Law Library and the Basic Law Institute will acquire about 7,500 items in 3 years for the Library. In support of the Library, renowned local Chinese scholar Professor Jao Tsung-I has honoured the Chinese title of the Library with his own calligraphy.

The Basic Law Library, located at the 5/F of City Hall Public Library, is a reference library providing reference and enquiry services. The Basic Law Library aims at serving the general public. Legal professionals, schools and organizations are also welcome. Readers can enrich the knowledge on the Basic Law of the HKSAR and carry out relevant research and study on the subject.

Seats and Internet ports are provided in the Library for readers. Internet and Online Database workstations, Multimedia Information System workstations and Online Public Access Catalogue terminals are available for public access.

The Basic Law Library stocks materials such as books, journals, multimedia information, CD-ROMs, online databases and newspaper clippings, etc. It now comprises about 8,000 items of reference materials covering the following subjects:

* Publications relating to constitutional law, administrative law, human rights and civic rights;
* Publications, videos, education kits and publicity materials on the Basic Law of HKSAR issued by the Government, professional bodies, academic institutions, community organizations, and commercial institutes, etc.;
* Newspaper clippings relating to the drafting and implementation of the Basic Law; and
* Records of court judgements relating to the Basic Law.

Looking ahead, the Basic Law Library will organize book display, exhibitions on special topics, visits and talks to further enhance the public's understanding of the Basic Law.