Online Registration for Borrowers
Residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region who have never applied for a library card or E-Account of the Hong Kong Public Libraries can make application through this online platform. Upon submission of valid applications, eligible applicants who are holders of Hong Kong Smart Identity Card can immediately log into the website of the Hong Kong Public Libraries, borrow e-books and enjoy access to a variety of e-resources. The following three types of registered accounts (Type A, B or C) are available for application, with Type B and C accounts also including the functions and services of Type A account.
(A) Application for an E-Account (For online e-reading only. Applicants are not required to complete the application procedures in person at library)
An E-Account holders can log into the Hong Kong Public Libraries website with their valid account for access to e-books and a variety of e-resources. However, borrowing of library materials from libraries is not allowed.
Online Application Procedures
HKSAR residents aged 18 or above
- Complete the online application form;
- Upload a copy of the applicant’s Hong Kong Identity Card;
- Set a password for the E-Account for instant access to e-books and a variety of e-resources.
HKSAR residents aged under 18 (holders of Hong Kong Identity Card)
- Complete the online application form with the consent of a parent (father or mother) or guardian;
- Upload a copy of the applicant’s Hong Kong Identity Card;
- Set a password for the E-Account for instant access to e-books and a variety of e-resources.
HKSAR residents aged under 18 (holders of Hong Kong Birth Certificate)
- Complete the online application form with the consent of a parent (father or mother) or guardian;
- Upload a copy of the applicant’s Hong Kong Birth Certificate; and
- Upon submission of application, an email notice will be sent to the applicant who may login with the account information and temporary password. The password must be changed immediately upon first login. The applicant can then borrow e-books and enjoy access to a variety of e-resources.
(B) Application for Using Smart Identity Card Allowed for Library Purposes AND/OR Library Card of Hong Kong Public Libraries (Applicants do not need to apply for an E-Account separately and may apply for accessing library services with their Smart Identity Card and Library Card for library services. However, applicants are required to complete the application procedures in person at library.)
Account holders may borrow different kinds of library materials from libraries with their valid library card or Smart Identity Card. They can also log into the Hong Kong Public Libraries website for access to e-books and e-resources and enjoy comprehensive library e-services.
Online Application Procedures
HKSAR residents aged 18 or above
- Complete the online application form;
- Upload copies of the applicant’s Hong Kong Identity Card and proof of residential address in Hong Kong issued within the last 3 months (e.g. water/electricity/gas/telephone bill);
- If the applicant applies for using Smart Identity Card Allowed for Library Purposes, he/she is required to set a password for the online account for instant access to e-books and a variety of e-resources;
- Upon submission of application, a notification email will be sent to the applicant. Follow the instructions in the email by completing the application procedures in person at the designated library. The applicant must present the original copy of Hong Kong Identity Card for verification and sign on the application form.
HKSAR residents aged under 18 (holders of Hong Kong Identity Card)
- Complete the online application form with the consent of a parent (father or mother) or guardian;
- Upload copies of the Hong Kong Identity Card of the applicant and the guardian. The guardian is also required to upload a copy of proof of residential address in Hong Kong issued within the last 3 months (e.g. water/electricity/gas/telephone bill);
- If the applicant applies for using Smart Identity Card Allowed for Library Purposes, he/she is required to set a password for the online account for instant access to e-books and a variety of e-resources
- Upon submission of application, a notification email will be sent to the applicant. Accompanied by a guarantor, the applicant should follow the instructions in the email by completing the application procedures in person at the designated library. The applicant must present the original or copy of the Hong Kong Identity Card, and the original copy of the guarantor’s Hong Kong Identity Card for verification. Both the applicant and guarantor should sign on the application form.
(If the guarantor is unable to accompany the applicant to the library and sign on the application form, it is recommended that the applicant should submit the application through traditional means, i.e. presenting the completed paper application form in person at library (with the “Guarantee” part of the form completed and signed by a parent or guardian) together with the original/copies of the Hong Kong identity documents mentioned above and proof of residential address in Hong Kong.)
HKSAR residents aged under 18 (holders of Hong Kong Birth Certificate)
- Complete the online application form with the consent of a parent (father or mother) or guardian;
- Upload copies of the applicant’s Hong Kong Birth Certificate and the guardian’s Hong Kong Identity Card. The guardian is also required to upload the copy of proof of residential address in Hong Kong issued within the last 3 months (e.g. water/electricity/gas/telephone bill); and
- Upon submission of application, a notification email will be sent to the applicant. Accompanied by the guarantor, the applicant should follow the instructions in the email by completing the application procedures in person at the designated library. The applicant must present the original or copy of the Hong Kong Birth Certificate and the original copy of the guarantor’s Hong Kong Identity Card for verification. Both the applicant and the guarantor should sign on the application form.
(If the guarantor is unable to accompany the applicant to the library and sign on the application form, it is recommended that the applicant should submit the application through traditional means, i.e. presenting the completed paper application form in person at library (with the “Guarantee” part of the form completed and signed by a parent or guardian) together with the original/copies of the Hong Kong identity documents mentioned above and proof of residential address in Hong Kong.)
(C) Application for Using Smart Identity Card Allowed for Library Purposes AND/OR Library Card of the Hong Kong Public Libraries via “iAM Smart+” (“iAM Smart+” users can use authentication, “e-ME” form filling and digital signing functions to complete the application procedures online (applicable to applicants and guarantors). Applicants do not need to apply for an E-Account separately.)
Account holders may borrow different kinds of library materials from libraries with their valid library card or Smart Identity Card. They can also log into the Hong Kong Public Libraries website for access to e-books and e-resources and enjoy comprehensive library e-services.
Online Application Procedures
HKSAR residents aged 18 or above
- Complete and submit the online application form via “iAM Smart+”;
- Upload a copy of the applicant’s proof of residential address in Hong Kong issued within the last 3 months (e.g. water/electricity/gas/telephone bill);
- Upon successful application, a notification email will be sent to the applicant. Successful applicants who have applied for using Smart Identity Card Allowed for Library Purposes may borrow library materials with their Smart Identity Card. They are required to set a password for the online account for instant access to e-books and a variety of e-resources;
- Library card applicants should follow the instructions in the email by collecting the library card at the designated library in person by presenting the original copy of their Hong Kong Identity Card for verification and acknowledging receipt of the library card.
HKSAR residents aged between 11 and 17 (holders of Hong Kong Identity Card)
- Complete and submit the online application form via “iAM Smart+” with the consent of a parent (father or mother) or guardian;
- Upload a copy of the guarantor’s proof of residential address in Hong Kong issued within the last 3 months (e.g. water/electricity/gas/telephone bill);
- Upon successful application, a notification email will be sent to the applicant. Successful applicants who have applied for using Smart Identity Card Allowed for Library Purposes may borrow library materials with their Smart Identity Card. They are required to set a password for the online account for instant access to e-books and a variety of e-resources;
- Library card applicants should follow the instructions in the email by collecting the library card at the designated library in person by presenting the original copies of their Hong Kong Identity Card or the guarantor’s Hong Kong Identity Card for verification and acknowledging receipt of the library card.
Personal Information Collection Statement
- The personal data provided on this platform will be used for the purposes of processing the application, posting library notices and providing library services only;
- Please contact the library staff if you have any enquiries concerning the personal data collected, including the requests for access and correction;
- Data will be encrypted during transmission to web servers in order to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the data transfer.
Notes on Application
- This online platform is provided for residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region who have never applied for a Library Card or E-Account to submit applications. For non-residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region applying for a temporary library card, please submit application in person at any branch of the Hong Kong Public Libraries;
- Applicants of E-Account are not required to provide proof of residential address in Hong Kong when submitting applications;
- Electronic files of documents uploaded to this platform will only be used for verification purposes when applications are being processed by the library staff and they are not intended for long-term storage. The maximum file size of each document is 3MB and the file format must be either jpg or png;
- Prior to submission of applications, applicants are required to verify and confirm that the information provided and document uploaded are correct and valid. Otherwise, the application may be delayed or rejected;
- Electronic files of the identity documents and proof of residential address will be deleted automatically upon completion of the application procedures. If the application is not accepted, the electronic files will be deleted automatically after rejection of the application;
- For details on the services provided by the Hong Kong Public Libraries, please click here;
- Applicants are strongly advised not to submit the applications on public computers in order to minimise the risk of personal data leakage. If applicants are not using their own personal computers, please be reminded to delete all personal data (including electronic files of identity documents and proof of residential address) from the computers and close all browser windows upon completion of the application procedures.
Enquiry
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