402 | Recreation, Sport and the Arts
Creative competitions under the title 'Cities Today' were held to celebrate the '4.23 World Book Day' and as a tie-in activity for the Shanghai Expo's 'Better City, Better Life' crusade.
The HKPL continued promoting creative writing and appreciation of literature in 2010. One of its major events was the 8th Hong Kong Literature Festival which presented a variety of literary programmes conducted by renowned overseas and local scholars and writers. The festival had become the hub for literary enthusiasts.
Cultural Exchange
In 2010, Hong Kong's public libraries co-operated and strengthened ties with their counterparts elsewhere, in exchanging library news and matters of mutual interest. 'The Best Book Design: An Exhibition of award-winning books in Germany, Mainland China and Hong Kong' was organised jointly with the Goethe-Institut in Hong Kong to give the public a view of the best books produced in these places. The HKPL and the Shenzhen Library also held creative writing competitions to celebrate '4.23 World Book Day' at which Shenzhen's and Hong Kong's winning entries were displayed.
Books Registration Office
The Books Registration Office helps preserve Hong Kong's literary heritage by adopting internationally-recognised standards and systems for numbering and recording publications in the territory.
It publishes an updated catalogue of Hong Kong-printed books in the Government Gazette every three months. The catalogue can also be viewed on the Internet. In 2010, the office registered 14 471 books, 11 736 periodicals, and issued 15 890 book numbers (ISBNs) for 1 031 publishers.
Shanghai Expo
Hong Kong took part in the Shanghai Expo in 2010 highlighting its vibrancy to visitors from around the world and the Mainland. The city held 20 performing arts and two visual art exhibitions carrying the theme: 'Creativity, Connectivity and Vibrancy'. The performing arts shows comprised Cantonese opera, Chinese and Western music, dance, chamber opera and drama, while visual art exhibitions. featured works of ink art and contemporary art in various media. The rich diversity of programmes prepared by some of Hong Kong's best-known and respected culturally talented people, as well as future generations of young and emerging stars, was designed to highlight the uniqueness of Hong Kong's cultural scene and to provide a platform for Hong Kong and Mainland artists to exchange ideas and experiences.
Sports and Recreation
Hong Kong people are increasingly taking up sports and using public recreational facilities. The LCSD develops and manages these facilities, which include sports grounds, playgrounds, sports centres, holiday camps, water sports centres, swimming pools and beaches. It also organises training courses, sports competitions
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