National security law: inquiry launched after books by Jimmy Lai displayed as recommended titles at Hong Kong public library

Photos posted online by member of pro-Beijing party show at least 10 titles by jailed media tycoon on rack labelled ‘librarian’s choice’

Leisure and Cultural Services Department says thorough investigation under way and warns that books must comply with security law

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The Shek Tong Tsui Public Library in Sai Wan. Photo: Google

Published: 12:52am, 25 Jun 2021Updated: 3:36am, 25 Jun 2021

Authorities have launched an investigation after a public library in Hong Kong displayed books by jailed Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai Chee-ying as “the librarian’s choice”.

At least 10 books by Lai were shown on the rack recommending titles to readers at Shek Tong Tsui Public Library in Sai Wan, according to photos published on Thursday on the Facebook page of Yeung Hok-ming, a member of the pro-Beijing party Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong.

Most of the Chinese-language books shown are not focused on politics but concern Lai’s thoughts on business management or his life. By evening, the books had been replaced by others about culture and traditions.

Jimmy Lai’s books are seen at Shek Tong Tsui Public Library. Photo: SCMP

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said a “rigorous and thorough investigation” was being conducted, adding public libraries must ensure its collections complied with the national security law.

“If any staff member is found to be involved in the issue, the [department] will consult the relevant departments and handle the matter in a serious manner, in accordance with the established mechanism, and take appropriate actions,” it said.

Any titles suspected of being in breach of the law would be removed from lending while the department reviewed them with other related government agencies, it added