First ever Hong Kong Library Festival features wide variety of reading experiences (with photos)

     The first Hong Kong Library Festival will be held at the Hong Kong Central Library from today (October 24) to November 6 under the theme "Reading•Creativity". Hosted by the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the festival features various activities including exhibitions, workshops, seminars and music performances. From printed materials to e-books and multimedia, readers can enjoy a diverse reading experience.

     Among the many compelling exhibitions at the Festival is the "Gulliver Immersive Storytelling Wall", which features animation of the classic "Gulliver's Travels" projected flawlessly on an eight-metre curved wall, with an adjacent gigantic book-shaped installation. Visitors can trigger the story plots by touching the wall, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the book and read along in an innovative way.

     In collaboration with tertiary institutions' libraries, publishing organisations and community partners, the festival gathers various content designed to enhance the reading environment in Hong Kong. Offerings include the exhibition "Application of Technology in Libraries of Tertiary Institutions", which demonstrates how technology combines with traditional culture to inspire self-directed learning. There is also a showcase of award-winning publications, literature and book designs that allow readers to appreciate Hong Kong literature and understand the visual and sensory concepts of cover designs, as well as the "eReading Corner", where patrons can read award-winning e-books at their fingertips. Also featured is a display of invaluable items including books and antique maps, dialogues with renowned authors and designers, and reading talks and workshops, all of which can enhance participants' reading experiences.

     The festival also offers numerous parent-child activities. In the "Comet in Moominvalley" setup, readers can explore Nordic legends through fairy tales, while international children's fiction writers Lauren Child and Petr Horacek will meet with their fans. A reading session under the theme "Starry Starry Night" enables parents and children to read together in a special environment and play with luminous books, torch books and astronomy titles.

     All activities of the Hong Kong Library Festival are free of charge, while seat reservations are required for some events. District libraries and reading partners are also holding many fun-filled programmes from October 20 to November 21, including "Storm the Library – Let's Learn parent-child Yoga", "Joy of Reading in Kwun Tong – Library Party" and "Get Relaxed with Mindfulness Practice". Details are available on the HKPL's website (www.hkpl.gov.hk), "Reading is Joyful" Facebook page (www.facebook.com/readingisjoyful) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/readingisjoyful).