RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS
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In addition, the second Hong Kong Literature Festival on the theme of the multi- facets of Hong Kong literature was held in July. It included a large-scale exhibition, a seminar by local and overseas writers and scholars, meet-the-author sessions, writing workshops and exchanges, writers' talks in schools, competitions and performances, production of literary videos, film shows and seminars. Response to these activities was very encouraging and they attracted an audience of 62 200.
Many other outreach programmes, including books and arts exhibitions, interest clubs, subject talks, children's hours and library visits were organised. In all, some 3.57 million people took part in the council's library and outreach programmes in
1998.
Provisional Regional Council Public Libraries
The Provisional Regional Council operates 27 libraries, including three central libraries, 19 district libraries and five mobile libraries. Since 1993, a library automation system has been installed in these libraries. To enable users' easy access to the libraries' on-line catalogue and the latest library news and information, the Provisional Regional Council launched the library home page in March 1998. The new services enable readers to renew borrowed library materials through the Internet or by telephone.
These libraries have a registered membership of 1.38 million and a total stock of 2.5 million books and 205 000 audio-visual items. In 1998, 11.08 million books, audio- cassettes and compact discs were issued for home use. Two new libraries being built in Tsing Yi and Tseung Kwan O are expected to be completed in 1999.
Books Registration Office
The Books Registration Office of the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority is responsible for registering books first printed, produced or published locally. A bibliography of the registered books is gazetted at quarterly intervals. In 1998, the office registered a total of 9 400 books and 11 590 periodicals.
The office is also the local agent for the International Standard Book Numbering (ISBN) System. During the year, 288 new publisher prefixes conforming to ISBN were issued.
Sport and Recreation
Sports and recreational facilities and activities are many and varied in Hong Kong. The Provisional Urban and Regional Councils develop and manage facilities which include sports grounds, playgrounds, indoor games halls, holiday camps, swimming pools and beaches. The two councils also organise training courses, sporting competitions and other activities for people of all ages and abilities, and encourage passive recreation by providing parks and landscaped open spaces.
The Sir David Trench Fund for Recreation provides grants for the construction and improvement of recreational and sporting facilities, and for the purchase of equipment for sport and recreation.
Hong Kong Sports Development Board
The Hong Kong Sports Development Board is the statutory body responsible for the development of sport and physical recreation in Hong Kong. In 1997-98, the board