HK Public Libraries to offer summer fun for readers (with photos)

     The Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will launch large-scale family reading programmes from July onwards. With the theme "Exploring the New Frontier of Reading", the HKPL provides a series of events for members of the public to explore the fun of reading.

     One of the key programmes, the Summer Reading Fiesta, offers a wide range of activities at district libraries from July 17 to August 15. The Summer Solstice Theater and Hong Kong Teacher Drama Association will introduce children stories and interactive games to cultivate children's interest in reading at the "Storytelling Theatre", while families will learn how to make handicrafts at the "Creative Workshops". The HKPL has also newly added "Zentangle Creation x Ocarina Appreciation" and "Literature and Plants x Creative Paper Quilling Photo Frame" workshops for teenagers and adults to experience the HKPL's activities.
 
     In addition, the Fiesta will launch online activities for parents and children to enjoy the diversified library programmes at their fingertips. The HKPL will upload videos on making handicrafts and story sharing to the HKPL YouTube channel and the LCSD edutainment channel (www.lcsd.gov.hk/edutainment/en/) in phases. Children can also interact with tutors at real-time Zoom workshops to learn drawing and explore different scientific principles. Details of the Fiesta can be found on www.hkpl.gov.hk/srf. The booklet is available at all public libraries, or call 2921 2660 for enquiries.
 
     Apart from the Fiesta, readers can enjoy the summer vacation with the HKPL's parent-child reading activities and online programmes. The Hong Kong Central Library will organise "Parent-child Storytelling Workshops: Ready for Summer" hosted by Theatre CokiDa. Children can enjoy the pleasure of reading and parent-child relationships can be enhanced through story-telling theatres, interactive games, picture books and craftworks. The "Book Bag Pick-n-Read" will also be organised at designated libraries, with exquisitely designed book bags and thematic books to increase the joy of reading.
 
     Regarding online activities, readers will enjoy the story-telling theatres in "Interactive Story Zoom". Readers will interact with tutors and vote instantly to decide the development of the stories. Through the new season of the video programme "Stories-On-Board", authors and professionals from different sectors are invited to tell stories of various genres and children can have a fresh reading experience in watching these videos with animated elements.
 
     The HKPL's summer activities are free of charge. Distribution of admission tickets at designated libraries and seat reservations of some activities will start from tomorrow (July 3) at designated libraries. Details of the activities are available on the "Reading is Joyful" Facebook page (www.facebook.com/readingisjoyful) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/readingisjoyful).
 
     In view of the latest situation of COVID-19, visitors to the public libraries are required to scan the "LeaveHomeSafe" QR code or register their name, contact number and the date and time of the visit before being allowed to enter. They will also need to use hand sanitiser, wear their own masks and be subject to temperature checks. For details, please visit www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/index.html.