Hong Kong Public Libraries | |
---|---|
Established | 1962 |
Location | Hong Kong |
Branches | 66 |
Collection | |
Size | 12.5M |
Access and use | |
Access requirements | residents of Hong Kong; non-residents have temporary access |
Circulation | 60.0M [1] |
Population served | 7.07M (mid-2010)[2] |
Members | 3.89M [1] |
Other information | |
Budget | 776.2M HKD [1] |
Director | N/A |
Staff | N/A |
Website | Official website |
The Hong Kong Public Library (HKPL) system in Hong Kong consists of 66 static and 10 mobile libraries [3] offering a total collection of 12.5 million items. The network of libraries are interconnected by a digitalised library management system, the busiest (number of visits) and one of the largest in the world offering both Chinese and English capabilities.
Hong Kong's first public library opened in 1962 at City Hall, Hong Kong, which was also the central library for many years before the opening of the Central Library.
Unlike most public libraries (under local jurisdiction) HKPL is under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, a ministry-like department in the Hong Kong Government, after dismissal of Urban Council and Regional Council before the commence of 2000. Prior to 1999, the Regional Council and the Urban Council managed the library system in the territory.