Thematic Block Loan to Kindergartens
Thematic Block Loan to Kindergartens
The Thematic Block Loan to Kindergartens is launched by the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) to further promote a reading culture to children, families and kindergartens. Books with diverse subjects are categorised under six themes, namely Sense & Sensation, Concepts, Poetry & Rhymes, Art & Creativity, Emotion & Social Skills, and Early Readers. The book sets are available for loan by kindergartens, so that children can have an opportunity to enrich their reading experience by accessing and reading different kinds of books.
How to Enrol
A kindergarten is required to submit a duly completed “Application Form for Thematic Block Loan to Kindergartens”, which indicates its choice of book set (one out of six), to a frequently visited or nearby public library. For new application for Block Loan Service or this Service, a duly completed “Library Card Application Form” should be submitted together with a copy of its certificate of registration for processing of library card application. Child care centres are also eligible for this service.
Upon approval of the application, the library will contact the kindergarten for arranging the block loan and free delivery service, and the loan period is two months. The book set may be renewed if it is not reserved by other kindergartens by the due date. The library may consider adjusting the arrangements, such as the number of book sets available for loan and the loan period having regard to individual circumstances. For enquiries, please contact our Librarians or browse Frequently Asked Questions.
Please click here for contact information of our branch libraries.
Outreach Reading Activity
To further cultivate reading habits of children, Thematic Block Loan users may apply for an outreach reading activity, for example, the Thematic Storytelling Theatre at Kindergartens, in which storytelling performances of selected thematic books by professional tutors of children's drama are complemented by extended handicraft activities to raise children’s interest in reading.
The activity is held every school year. Thematic Block Loan users will be invited to apply for the activity by email and places will be allocated by ballot.
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| Vivid storytelling performance | Children are deeply engaged in the storytelling theatre | Extended handicraft activity |
The Six Themes
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Sense & Sensation
Children love to use their senses to explore new things around them, and sensory stimulation in various forms is conducive to their cognitive development. Books under the theme of Sense & Sensation include audio books, touch-and-feel books (such as the ones made of fluff in the shape of a little rabbit), lift-the-flap books, pop-up books, etc. to stimulate children’s audition, tactile sensation and vision.
Please click here to download the book list of this theme. (By clicking a thematic book on the list, you will be directed to the book information on the Library Catalogue.)
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Concepts
Books under the theme of Concepts help promote the concept development of preschool children. Things encountered in daily lives including little animals, means of transport, daily necessities, as well as colours, directions and basic mathematical concepts such as shapes, simple calculation and ranking, can all be learned from these books. Books under this category are interesting and easily comprehensible. They are a good helping hand for teachers and parents. By reading them over and over again, children will get a deeper understanding of various concepts.
Please click here to download the book list of this theme. (By clicking a thematic book on the list, you will be directed to the book information on the Library Catalogue.)
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Poetry & Rhymes
The kindergarten stage is the prime time for children to learn languages, and effective language learning should start with reading. Through interesting contents, simple languages or beautiful nursery rhymes, books under the theme of Poetry & Rhymes allow children to gain a deeper understanding of different words or expressions, and help them cultivate their keen sensitivity to written languages.
Please click here to download the book list of this theme. (By clicking a thematic book on the list, you will be directed to the book information on the Library Catalogue.)
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Art & Creativity
Children’s imagination and creativity are always out of our expectation. Parents and teachers may expose children to art from an early age and identify their creative potential through books under the theme of Art & Creativity, taking children on the journey of artistic creation under the guidance of books and refining their temperament.
Please click here to download the book list of this theme. (By clicking a thematic book on the list, you will be directed to the book information on the Library Catalogue.)
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Emotion & Social Skills
Upon entry to kindergarten, children start to build up human relationships outside the family, which marks an important new stage for them. As the stories depicted in the books under the theme of Emotion & Social Skills are related to their daily lives, emotional connection will be aroused easily. Parents and teachers may make use of these books to promote the emotional development of children and help them acquire the necessary social skills.
Please click here to download the book list of this theme. (By clicking a thematic book on the list, you will be directed to the book information on the Library Catalogue.)
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Early Readers
Story books with pictures fascinate readers by pairing up beautiful pictures with interesting writing. Such story books motivate young readers to raise questions and think carefully, and help them remember the subject matter of the stories more vividly, thereby arousing in them a great interest in reading. Whether reading in school or at home, these pictorial early readers are preferred options for children.
Please click here to download the book list of this theme. (By clicking a thematic book on the list, you will be directed to the book information on the Library Catalogue.)
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(Last update: April 2023)
