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Organised by the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the family reading programme Summer Reading Month 2015 was launched today (July 18) at Hong Kong Central Library (HKCL) alongside a thematic exhibition for children entitled "Festivals of the World". Parents and children can participate in interesting parent-child activities which form part of a variety of summer events.
The launch ceremony coincided with a prize presentation ceremony for the Competition on Story Writing in Chinese for Students 2015, jointly organised by the HKPL and the Hong Kong Children's Arts Society. This year's competition received an enthusiastic response with more than 1,800 entries. The winning entries covered topics ranging from family, friendship to environmental protection and social issues.
The Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Ms Florence Hui, and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Children's Arts Society, Ms Sung Yee-shui, officiated at the ceremony and presented prizes to the winners of the competition and their schools. The winners also shared their writing experiences.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Hui emphasised that it takes diligent practice and bold efforts to make good progress in writing. She encouraged students to read more to enrich their knowledge and generate writing ideas. She also invited parents and their children to participate in the wide range of activities during Summer Reading Month and to enjoy the fun of reading.
The annual Summer Reading Month encourages children to make good use of library resources and foster a regular reading habit during the summer vacation. The thematic exhibition "Festivals of the World" runs from today until August 16 at the HKCL's Exhibition Gallery. The exhibition's 3-D installations illustrate the different world festivals that take place in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Examples include the New Year Festival in China, Japan and Thailand as well as World Water Day, International Volunteer Day and many more. Parents and children can learn more about the cultural backgrounds and underlying social value of these festivals and enhance their understanding of the nature and different nations around the world.
In addition to visiting the exhibition, families can also read selected books and electronic resources about different world folk cultures, and enjoy variety shows and drama contests held at the HKCL's Exhibition Gallery. There will also be musical performances, a puppet show, an English drama, storytelling workshops and a dance show.
During Summer Reading Month, various activities including storytelling by the elderly, language learning through storytelling, and floral, paper art and paper clay workshops will be held in different public libraries. Parents and children can each enjoy these activities during an entertaining summer.
The Reading Charter activity is also being held during this year's Summer Reading Month at all public libraries to promote reading through voluntary pledges. It aims to encourage readers to establish the good habit of reading by achieving their own reading goals. Readers who join the Reading Charter will be presented with a souvenir.
Admission to the activities of Summer Reading Month is free. Seat reservation or admission tickets are required for some of the programmes. Detailed information is contained in the Summer Reading Month booklet available at all public libraries. For enquiries, please call 2921 2660 or visit the website at www.hkpl.gov.hk/srm.
Ends/Saturday, July 18, 2015
Issued at HKT 13:51
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