Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library to hold storytelling event for South Asian children (with photo)
***********************************************************

     The newly opened Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library, the second largest public library in Hong Kong, is the first public library where the public can read in an outdoor courtyard. The library organises various extension activities on a regular basis, especially those related to the community. The "Storytelling for Children of South Asia" event, jointly organised with the Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities of Yuen Long Town Hall, will be held this Saturday (April 6) to encourage members of ethnic minorities to participate in more reading activities.

     Specially held for ethnic minorities, the storytelling event for South Asian children will be held from 2pm to 4pm on April 6 at Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library. South Asian children aged from 4 to 8 and their families are welcome to join in. Tutors will read Chinese storybooks in Cantonese and Pakistani volunteers will assist to translate if needed. An art activity and a library tour will follow the storytelling session. Admission is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Kids and families from South Asian backgrounds who are interested in advance registration should call 2479 9757.

     A similar activity on storytelling for South Asian children was held on March 23 to encourage members of ethnic minorities to read more.

     Covering a floor area of 6 100 square metres and with a stock of about 330 000 library materials, the new eight-storey library is situated in Yuen Long District, an area with a rich heritage and many famous antiquities and monuments such as the Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda, the Tang Ancestral Hall, Ching Shu Hin and others. The Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building consists of two blocks with the higher block being the public library.

     The design of the building has won several architecture awards. Inspired by the traditional architectural elements of Ping Shan in Yuen Long District, the architects made use of older building materials like bricks, fair-faced concrete, wooden screens, iron netting and rusty iron to cultivate an air of simplicity and nurture a style of tradition fusing with modernity. The highs and lows of the building outlook are echoed by the crisscrossing staircases inside the library, which is bathed in sunlight via the open space of the atrium, courtyards across floors and the surrounding curtain wall to foster a comfortable environment for leisure reading.

     The flower beds on various floors and the green roof not only enhance the atmosphere of the building, but also provide a natural and relaxing environment for readers, who can take their books to read at the coffee corner or in an outdoor courtyard. In addition, they can participate in special extension activities such as guided reading programmes held by the library on the green roof.

     A series of activities and talks will be held at Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library in the next few months. They include a thematic storytelling workshop for children entitled "Little Black Raven Loves Adventure", the information technology workshops "Enjoy Easy Life @ Internet" jointly organised by Hong Kong Family Welfare Society and "Protection of Personal Data Privacy - Talk Series on the Proper Use of Technology in Daily Life" jointly organised by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, and a talk entitled "A Healthy Life with Chinese Medicine" and Teens' Reading Clubs.

Ends/Monday, April 1, 2013
Issued at HKT 11:00

NNNN