Library Elderly-friendly Measures

To facilitate the use of library facilities and services by elderly users and their participation in various library activities, the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) provides the following elderly-friendly facilities/services:

Fee exempted for electronic lockers

Electronic lockers are provided for any person aged 60 or above free of charge for storage of personal belongings.

Electronic lockers

Computers equipped with special assistive devices

All static public libraries in Hong Kong provide computers installed with assistive software, hardware or functions to assist the elderly in browsing the Internet and using library computer facilities.  These include screen-reading software and screen magnification software.  The Hong Kong Central Library also provides Open Book software for scanning and reading English books or materials.

Assistive reading equipment

Some public libraries are equipped with adjustable reading tables and desktop video magnifiers. These magnifiers have dedicated monitors which enable readers to magnify the content in reading materials such as books, newspapers and magazines to a size that suits their needs. Magnifying sheets and magnifying glasses are also available for loan at the Service Counter for reading library materials.

	Adjustable reading table To meet the needs of different users
	Desktop video magnifier Readers can magnify the content in books, newspapers and magazines to a size that suits their needs
		Portable magnifying sheets and magnifying glasses Readers can place the portable magnifying sheets or magnifying glasses directly on books, newspapers or magazines while reading

Induction loop system

All public libraries in Hong Kong are equipped with induction loop system to enable elderly users with hearing impairment to communicate with library staff and to use library services.

Chairs with armrests

The HKPL is committed to creating an elderly-friendly reading environment.  In this connection, the HKPL will continue to provide suitable furniture, such as chairs with armrests to help elderly users get up from the chairs.

Collection suitable for elderly users

The HKPL will continue to acquire library materials that are suitable for the elderly, including large print books and audio books.