Editorial | Hong Kong’s public libraries must adapt if they are to survive and flourish
- Libraries have a valuable role to play but they must move with the times by embracing technology, upgrading facilities and meeting the demands of the modern user
The success of Hong Kong’s book fair, which attracted a million visitors in July, demonstrated an enduring passion for reading in the internet age. Sadly, that enthusiasm is not fuelling a similar post-pandemic recovery for the city’s public libraries. The number of visits, 18 million in the first 10 months of the year, marks a significant improvement on 12 million in the whole of 2022. But it is down on 34.7 million in 2019, which was 14 per cent lower than that in 2012.
Libraries around the world are fighting to retain visitors as people increasingly access information from a multitude of digital sources. Hong Kong is no exception. But libraries have a valuable role to play in the community. They need to adapt to survive and flourish.
Hong Kong has 71 static and 12 mobile public libraries. The extensive collection boasts more than 15 million items, not only books but audiovisual materials, database content, newspapers, magazines and maps. Libraries are important centres for accessing information, for education and individual development. They promote literature, cultural exchanges and a love of reading.
But they must move with the times. This means embracing technology, upgrading facilities and meeting the demands of the modern library user. They need to offer a welcoming environment and shake off the image that they are staid and boring.
Steps are being taken to modernise the city’s libraries. The newest, in Sham Shui Po, is well-designed and features a multimedia library, computer centre and self-service kiosks. Central Library has a “CreateInfo” zone for young adults while Kowloon Public Library has a “Smart Learning Space”. But there is room to do more.
A new HK$877 million “smart library” IT system has been delayed but is due to be introduced over the next two years.
The Audit Commission has highlighted many areas for improvements, from the acquisition of new titles to improving access to electronic materials. The use of libraries for community activities was suggested as a way of boosting visitor numbers.