Cultural and Historical Resources Corners of 18 Districts

The Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) has set up a Cultural and Historical Resources Corner at a selected public library in each of the 18 districts since 30 June 2014. The resources corner provides the public with a one-stop reference repository of individual districts on areas such as culture, history and community development. Tie-in activities will also be organised to promote the HKPL’s various collections and increase public awareness of local history and culture.

Objectives

• To provide a wide range of reference information about local communities;
• To collect and preserve information and documents on local communities;
• To enhance public interest in and awareness of local history and culture; and
• To encourage and promote public engagement in the preservation of local heritage.

Collections and Facilities

The Cultural and Historical Resources Corners provide a collection of Hong Kong Districts Information which comprises a total of more than 10,000 items, including books, maps, audio-visual and multimedia materials and leaflets. It covers subject areas like District Council business, information on local organisations, district activities, traditional culture, religion and festivals, history and celebrities, tourist attractions, sightseeing spots and historical monuments, planned development.

In addition, the HKPL’s Multimedia Information System also provides digitised materials on Hong Kong and all districts. For instance, the “Local Districts Profile” digital collection currently contains about 8,000 items of information, such as over 5,000 photos, newspaper clippings on arts and cultural activities, archives of the former Urban Council and former Regional Council, maps and audio & video recordings. The old photos have captured the landscape and people’s lives in the past, reflecting social changes occurring at different times.

Readers may use computer workstations at the Resources Corners to search the Library Catalogue, access district-based digitised materials in the Multimedia Information System, and browse related electronic resources or other websites.

User Education Programmes

Group sessions will be organised regularly to brief readers on the library’s various collections and help them acquire search skills.

Extension Activities

A variety of extension activities, such as subject talks, exhibitions, book displays, will be organised to promote the HKPL’s collections. The aim is to increase public interest in local history and culture, and to enhance their knowledge of and sense of belonging to the local community.

Online Catalogue and Services

Members of the public may search the online Library Catalogue for the collections of Cultural and Historical Resources Corners (click “Advanced Search” and then select the “Hong Kong Districts Information” item in the “Collection” box). Alternatively they can access the Multimedia Information System to view the relevant digital images, listen to or reserve to view the authorised digital audio-visual materials.

Location

Cultural and Historical Resources Corners are provided at the following public libraries:

Note: Please click the link of individual libraries to view their opening hours and location map.