ENG-1987 — Page 331

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RECREATION AND THE ARTS

Some 259 860 books and 13 600 items of audio-visual materials were acquired during the year, bringing the total stock of library resources to 1.8 million items. Some 4 275 extension activities were organised for 1.3 million people. More than 7.3 million library materials were issued for home reading and a further 14 million books were read in the libraries and 579 085 books consulted in the reference libraries. Some 83 245 people registered as new members during the year, bringing the total membership to 1.5 million.

The Regional Council operates two mobile libraries and 20 static libraries, including the Sha Tin Central Library opened earlier in the year.

The Sha Tin Central Library was officially opened by the Chief Secretary, Mr David Ford, on February 20. It is the council's first central library and also its largest and most comprehensive one, with an initial stock of 300 000 books and audio-visual items. The library was exceedingly well used by the public, and set a local record on July 3, when 7 567 books and audio-cassettes were borrowed for home use.

Each of the nine districts in the Regional Council area is provided with at least one static library. All libraries provide a free lending service of adult and junior books, and audio-cassettes.

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To assist the Education Department, study rooms are provided in district libraries at Tsuen Wan, South Kwai Chung, North Kwai Chung, Yuen Long, Sai Kung and also in the Sha Tin Central Library.

The mobile libraries regularly visit various mainland districts to serve people.

New materials acquired during the year for the public libraries included 259 857 books and 13 596 items of audio-visual material. Some 1.3 million people took part in the extension activities which were organised to promote the use of the libraries. More than 7.3 million items of library material were issued for home reading and 14 million books were read in the libraries.

Council for Recreation and Sport

As the government's principal advisory body on recreation and sport, the Council for Recreation and Sport advised on the disbursement of about $10 million of government funds in 1987 to sports associations. The money was spent chiefly towards supporting competitions and tournaments at international level, both locally and overseas, training, development programmes and staff salaries and administrative costs.

The council also advised on the disbursement of certain independent funds, including the Sir David Trench Fund for Recreation, earmarked for youth recreation projects primarily for capital works items and purchase of specialised equipment. This year, $6.1 million was allocated for this purpose. Grants were also made available to disabled athletes from the Sports Aid for the Disabled Fund.

The establishment of the Sports Aid Foundation was announced publicly in April with a donation of $5 million from the Jockey Club. The foundation aims to provide financial assistance to needy athletes who have potential to reach local and international standards of excellence. There are plans to invite applications for funds from the founda- tion next year.

Voluntary Agency Recreational Camps

Since last

year, the Municipal Services Branch has taken up the advisory and supervisory responsibility of 39 voluntary agency camps, 32 of which are subvented. This year, staff of the branch made 77 visits to these camps and advised on the future development of five camps with a view to improving their facilities and services.