On 4 May 2001, the Hong Kong Library Association organized a visit to Hong Kong Central Library. Responses were overwhelming with 82 applications, of which 62 were selected on a first come first served basis. The Library is located at the heart of Causeway Bay overlooking the Victoria Harbour. The 12-storey high building covers a site area of 9,400 square meters, with a gross floor area of 33,800 square meters and a public seating capacity of over 2000.
The Senior Librarian, Ms Mary Cheng, greeted us with immense enthusiasm. Mary started the library tour by showing us a promotional film of the HKCL, which describes the functions, development and services of the HKCL. After the film show, we were shown the various facilities and services of the HKCL. The most interesting part was the newly introduced Multimedia Information System (MMIS). Being the largest electronic information center among public libraries in Hong Kong, the HKCL offers over 500 computer workstations to the public providing access to over 600 reference databases on CD-ROM via the MMIS.
Other significant facilities include the Children's Lending and Reference Library, Toy Library, Adult Lending Library, Map Library, Young Adult Lending, Central Reference Library, Basic Law Reference Library and Arts Resource Centre. In addition, the public can also enjoy the use of following collections/services: Newspapers and Periodicals Reading Area, Microform Production Room, Microform Reading Areas, Audio-visual Library, Language Learning Centre, Central Book Stack, Hong Kong Literature Room, Reference and Information Enquiry Centre.
For the convenience of the Library patrons, there are Self-charging Terminals, 24-hour Book Return Service, Information Display System, Information Kiosk and Book Conveyance System. We were particularly impressed by the automatic book delivery system. Other facilities of the building include the User Education Hall, Exhibition Gallery, Lecture Theatre, Activity Rooms and Music Practice Rooms.
At the time of opening, there are about 1.2 million library materials and the stock is expected to increase to about two million. The new Library opens seven days a week totaling 68 hours, which is the most extensive among all public libraries in Hong Kong.
Members were all impressed with the quality environment, the variety of library materials as well as the up-to-date computer technology. The visit lasted for three hours and each of us received a souvenir from the HKCL. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Mary Cheng, Mr. Lee Yuk Man and Mr. Lee Kwong Hung for their time and exciting presentations.
More details about the HKCL can be found at http://www.hkpl.gov.hk/hkcl/index.html
