Library Service

The Hong Kong Public Libraries provides a network of static libraries, mobile libraries and self-service library stations. They are evenly spread over the territory of Hong Kong and interconnected by an integrated automated library system to provide convenient access to a wide range of library services for people of all age groups and walks of life. The library collection includes books, audio-visual materials, newspapers, periodicals, CD-ROM databases, microforms, maps and electronic resources. Some of these library materials may be borrowed whilst others are for use in the libraries.

You can access the full content about the following information in English, Traditional Chinese or Simplified Chinese:

Library service
https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/index.html

Locations and opening hours of libraries
https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/locations/libraries.html

 

1. Lending Service

Library Card and Borrowing Library Materials

Holders of valid library cards issued by the Hong Kong Public Libraries, identity cards allowed for library purposes, or library cards/borrower's cards issued by the two former Municipal Council Public Libraries may borrow and return library materials at any public library and the self-service library stations. Readers are also welcome to use book drop service of Hong Kong Public Libraries (including service at designated MTR stations) to return library materials. A library card is not to be lent or transferred.

Each registered reader may borrow library materials together with accompanying library materials, or back issues of periodicals. Library materials for lending may be borrowed for a designated period. An overdue fine at specific charge is imposed on each and every loan item and accompanying library material returned late.

If any library material borrowed is lost or damaged, the borrower shall be liable to pay to the Government such sum of money as the librarian considers necessary to replace such library material or the whole set of library material of which such library material forms a part. In addition, the borrower may be required to pay a surcharge amounting to a designated per cent of such sum.

Reservation Service

Each registered reader may reserve library materials at a specific charge for each item (or the prevailing valid reservation fee at the time of collection). Once an item is successfully reserved, the reader making the reservation is required to pay the reservation fee no matter he collects the item or not.

You can access the full content about the lending service in English, Traditional Chinese or Simplified Chinese: https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/about-us/services/lending/library-materials.html

 

2. Library Collections

The Hong Kong Public Libraries has a wide collection of library materials, including books, non-print materials e.g. audio-visual materials and e-books. Furthermore, the Hong Kong Public Libraries also subscribes to various e-databases and newspapers and periodicals. Some of the e-databases are available for remote access by library card holders via the Internet.

While the newspapers and periodicals are mainly in Chinese and English, the Hong Kong Public Libraries also subscribes to newspapers and periodicals in several other languages, including Nepali, Bahasa Indonesia, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog and Thai, to provide readers of different races with the latest information on current and economic issues and entertainment. Such newspapers and periodicals are mostly kept in the Hong Kong Central Library and some major or district libraries.

To facilitate non-Chinese speaking students in learning Chinese as their second or third language, the Hong Kong Public Libraries also acquires books written in simple Chinese, as well as relevant bilingual readers and language learning kits, for them to master the most common local expressions through extra-curricular reading, thus progressively strengthening their abilities in four aspects, namely reading, writing, listening and speaking.

You can access the full content about the library collections in English, Traditional Chinese or Simplified Chinese: https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/about-us/collection-develop/collections.html

 

3. Computer Facilities

The Hong Kong Public Libraries offers computer facilities enabling the public to access the multimedia and digitised resources, library catalogue, e-books, and online databases and browse the Internet. Commonly used software such as Microsoft Office suite, with applications for word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation, as well as application software including Adobe desktop apps for web authoring, photo editing, drawing and graphic design are provided on some of the computers. Eligible users may make advance booking for using the computer facilities.

You can access the full content about the computer facilities in English, Traditional Chinese or Simplified Chinese: https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/about-us/services/computer/computer-centre-area.html

 

4. Extension Activities

Extension activities form an integral part of library services. The educational and recreational programmes such as reading programmes, storytelling for children, book displays, exhibitions and subject talks organised throughout the year at the libraries all contribute to promote the use of library facilities, inculcate life-long reading habits and to enhance the public appreciation of the importance of free access to up-to-date information. The libraries also play an active role in promoting literary arts in Hong Kong. Literary awards and competitions, and a wide range of literary activities are regularly organised.

You can access the full content about the extension activities in English, Traditional Chinese or Simplified Chinese: https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/extension-activities/highlights/this-week