Hong Kong students have plenty of books to read - but other distractions stop them from taking advantage.
That is the view of Education Department librarian Leung Che- wai.
'I believe resources for school libraries are adequate and well-planned. We are at an average standard among other countries,' said Mr Leung, the top librarian.
'The problem is that students are receiving too many assignments and examinations and lack initiative in reading,' he said.
The popularity of other media and sports also dampened their interest in books, Mr Leung told Young Post.
Secondary schools are each required to keep at least 10,000 books and students are expected to read at least 10 a year.
He believed that the total number of books kept in each school was adequate for academic and leisure purposes. Students in Singapore, according to a British book, Running a School Library, were given about five books per head each year, compared to Hong Kong's 10.
