Hong Kong's new Central Library, set to open next May, will have the biggest automated Chinese-English library system in the world.
There will also be a lending and reference section for young adults and a cafeteria - a first among Hong Kong libraries - according to Paul Leung Sai-wah, director of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).
In the 12-storey library in Causeway Bay, there are over 2,000 seats equipped with Internet access ports on almost every floor.
The ports allow people to surf online with their own notebook computers. Students are encouraged to use this facility while doing independent study, according to Michael Mak Kin-lam, assistant director of libraries and development.
'Unlike some other libraries which consist of self-studying corners, we hope to have a cosy and casual atmosphere where readers can read and study anywhere inside the building, ' he said.
About 500 terminals will be installed on all floors, allowing readers to search for books in all libraries, including those at universities via the Digital Library System.
Dozens of specific libraries, such as an Arts Library, a Toy Library, a Language Learning Centre have been designed to enable the new library to be a central reference library for all learners.