The Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will launch a large-scale summer reading and family programme, Summer Reading Fiesta, starting from July, offering a wide range of fun-filled activities online and offline. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the HKPL, the theme this year will be "Surrounded by the Scent of Books · Joy of Reading in 60 Years". Children and youth are encouraged to make effective use of library resources to broaden and deepen their reading scope.

     The Summer Reading Fiesta will be held at public libraries in different districts from July 16 to August 14. As part of the fiesta, "Storytelling Theatres" will be staged to cultivate children's interest in reading via stories and interactive games. The theatres will be conducted in Cantonese, Putonghua and English separately in 12 sessions. At "Parent-child Workshops", participants can make handicrafts such as bedside lamps and 3D paper quilling art. There are also workshops targeted at teenagers and adults, where they can enjoy hands-on experience in alcohol ink art and pastel nagomi art.

     For online activities, children and parents can join the "ZOOM Live Workshops" to learn techniques on drawing and handicrafts while the "Fun Reading · Handicrafts" activities enable children to join virtual cultural tours and handicraft workshops at the same time to learn about the history, culture and traditional folk arts of Hong Kong. Participants can also enjoy reading selected thematic stories in the activities.

     Meanwhile, videos on simple science experiments, drawing and arts will also be uploaded on the HKPL YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/hkplgovhkchannel) and the LCSD Edutainment Channel (www.lcsd.gov.hk/edutainment/en) in phases. Parents and children can enjoy the diversified library programmes any time.
 
     Another highlight event of the HKPL, "Reading Footprints with Po Po", is organised by the public libraries in Sham Shui Po District, with community organisations and community libraries as the co-organisers. Children can get to know more and utilise better the resources of the public libraries in the district through storytelling sessions, handicraft workshops, games and a photo exhibition.

     All activities are free of charge. Seat reservations or admission tickets are required for some programmes. Details of the Summer Reading Fiesta can be found on www.hkpl.gov.hk/srf or call 2921 2660 for enquiries. Members of the public can also visit the "Reading is Joyful" Facebook page (www.facebook.com/readingisjoyful) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/readingisjoyful) for more information on different events of the HKPL.

     In order to comply with the requirements stipulated in the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) and relevant requirements of administrative instructions, members of the public are required to scan the "LeaveHomeSafe" venue QR code with their mobile phones/other mobile devices before being allowed to enter public libraries for necessary contact tracing if a confirmed case is found. In accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) Regulation (Cap. 599L) and relevant requirements of administrative instructions, all persons entering indoor venues under the management of the LCSD must comply with the requirement of the Vaccine Pass.

Ends/Friday, June 24, 2022
Issued at HKT 15:00

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