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The Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has opened a Cultural and Historical Resources Corner at a selected public library in each of the 18 districts from today (June 30). The new resources corners aim to promote public interest in local history and culture as well as enhance awareness of local communities.
The resources corners provide a one-stop reference repository for the public to learn about the culture, history and community development of individual districts.
The 18 libraries with resources corners are City Hall, Chai Wan, Aberdeen, Lockhart Road, Kowloon, Yau Ma Tei, Lai Chi Kok, San Po Kong and Lam Tin Public Libraries in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon; and Tai Po, Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai, Tuen Mun, Fanling, Tseung Kwan O, Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan, South Kwai Chung and Tung Chung Public Libraries in the New Territories.
The HKPL has been collecting information on Hong Kong's 18 districts through various channels. The resources corners in the 18 districts provide a collection of "Hong Kong Districts Information", comprising more than 5 800 items including books, maps, audio-visual and multimedia materials and leaflets. This information covers District Council business, local organisations, district activities, traditional culture, religion and festivals, history and celebrities, tourist attractions, sightseeing spots and historical monuments, and planned development.
In addition, the HKPL Multimedia Information System (MMIS) also provides digitised materials on Hong Kong and all districts. The "Local Districts Profile" digital collection contains about 6 500 items of information including photos, newspaper clippings on arts and cultural activities, archives of the former Urban Council and former Regional Council, maps, audio and video recordings. Over 3 000 photos have captured the landscape and people's lives in the past, reflecting the many social changes over the years. Readers can search for and browse the district-based digitalised materials through MMIS by using the computer workstation available at each resource corner.
A variety of extension activities such as subject talks, exhibitions and book displays will be organised to promote various library collections as well as to enhance public interest in local history and culture. The HKPL also encourages schools to utilise the library materials at the resources corners for their students to conduct project research.
Members of the public can browse www.hkpl.gov.hk/chrc for more information.
Ends/Monday, June 30, 2014
Issued at HKT 11:38
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