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In support of the World Book Day on 23 April, the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) organises the “4.23 World Book Day Creative Competition” in 2026 on the theme of “Blissful Moments Between Pages” to promote a reading culture.  Through competition, which integrates reading and creation, we hope to encourage children and young people to expand and deepen their scope of reading to open the door to knowledge, broaden their horizons and enrich their lives.

Entry Requirements

Junior Primary (P1 - P3)

Theme: "Happiness Recharging Station"

Draw a picture with pastels on the theme of “Happiness Recharging Station” to depict a joyful and heartwarming scene of paired reading.  The content can be real experience or imagination.

Senior Primary (P4 - P6)
Chinese / English

Theme: “Learning New Skills with Fun”

Write a book report on your own topic under the theme of “Learning New Skills with Fun” and share your thoughts on a book (either printed or electronic) borrowed from a public library in Hong Kong, explaining how the book has inspired you to learn a new skill or cultivate your interests (e.g. art, sports and science).

300 - 400 words (including punctuation)

Junior Secondary (S1 - S3)
Chinese / English

Theme: “Shelter from the Storm”

Write in prose on your own topic under the theme of “Shelter from the Storm” and share your thoughts on a book (either printed or electronic) borrowed from a public library in Hong Kong, describing how the book has helped you lead a positive life when facing stress/anxiety/difficulties.

 650 - 800 words (including punctuation)

Senior Secondary (S4 - S6)
Chinese / English

Theme: “Finding Joy in Reading”

Write in prose on your own topic under the theme of “Finding Joy in Reading” by consolidating your thoughts on more than one piece of reading materials (including at least one printed book or one electronic book borrowed from a public library in Hong Kong) that you have read to share your experience, memories and feelings of growing up.

1,000 - 1,200 words (including punctuation)

Awards and Prizes

Junior Primary Category - 25 Outstanding Awards

Senior Primary Category (Chinese) - 15 Outstanding Awards ; Senior Primary Category (English) - 8 Outstanding Awards

Junior Secondary Category (Chinese) - 15 Outstanding Awards ; Junior Secondary Category (English) - 8 Outstanding Awards

Senior Secondary Category (Chinese) - 12 Outstanding Awards ; Senior Secondary Category (English) - 5 Outstanding Awards

Each winner will be awarded a book coupon of HK$500, a medal and a certificate.  A trophy will also be presented to the school of each winner.

Deadline of Submission

By 6 pm on 6 January 2026. (For submission by post, the postmark date will be regarded as the date of submission.  Late submissions or underpaid mail items will not be accepted.  For entries forwarded by email, the date on the forwarded email will be regarded as the date of submission.  Any email sent or forwarded after the deadline will not be accepted.)

Adjudication Panel

To be composed of education workers.

Announcement of Results

The results will be announced in April 2026.  Respective schools of the award winners will be notified individually.  All award winners and their schools will be invited to attend the award presentation ceremony to be held in April 2026.  Winning entries will be displayed in roving exhibitions of Hong Kong Public Libraries from late April onwards.

Enquiries

2921 2660

Office Hours: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays)

Supporting Organisations

Education Bureau, Hong Kong Teacher-Librarians’ Association, Association of Innovative Reading and Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

Application Form (Click Here to Download)

400-grid Script Paper (Sample) — for Chinese Entries (Click Here to Download)

In support of the World Book Day on 23 April, the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) organises the “4‧23 World Book Day Creative Competition in 2025” on the theme of “Reading—My Travel Buddy” to promote a reading culture.  Through competition, which integrates reading and creation, we hope to encourage children and young people to expand and deepen their scope of reading to open the door to knowledge, broaden their horizons and enrich their lives.