RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS
During the year, a Story Writing in Chinese competition for students was organised to arouse interest in literary appreciation and creative writing among students. The 3rd Hong Kong Biennial Awards for Chinese Literature were presented to recognise the achievements of local writers. In addition, competitions for creative writing, the best produced books in Hong Kong and drama criticism were organised to cultivate interest in these subjects. Four series of literary workshops were organised to pro- mote Chinese creative writing among students.
The council set up a writer-in-residence programme to provide opportunities for writers to pursue projects in Chinese literary research or creative writing. A bibliography of local writers was published. This book, together with three other books published by the council, this year brought its total number of publications to 64 titles.
Since it was first launched in 1984, the reading programme for young people, aimed to promote interest in reading, has enrolled 133 620 members. They have read some 2 million books. A wide range of other extension activities and outreach programmes including book exhibitions, interest clubs, subject talks, children's hours, and library visits were organised and attracted some 3 million people.
Regional Council Public Libraries
The Regional Council operates 25 libraries, including three central libraries, 19 district libraries and three mobile libraries. Installed with one of the largest automated bilingual (Chinese and English) library systems in the world, these libraries provide fast book return, borrowing and reservation services, as well as an online catalogue to members of the public.
They have a registered membership of 1.13 million and a total stock of 207 million books and 118 000 audio-visual items. They issued 9.54 million books and audio- cassettes for home use in 1995. The Sha Tin Central Library and Tsuen Wan_Central Library are the most heavily patronised public libraries in Hong Kong. Tsuen Wan Central Library registered a record issue of 10 507 items of library material to the public in a single day on August 15.
Books Registration Office
The Books Registration Office is responsible for the registration of books first printed, produced or published locally. A bibliography of registered books is gazetted at quarterly intervals.
In 1995, a total of 6 650 books and 9 950 periodicals were registered with the office, which is the local agent for the International Standard Book Numbering System (ISBN). During the year, 200 new publishers' identifiers conforming to ISBN were issued. The Books Registration Office was placed under the administration of the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority with effect from November 1995.
Sports and Recreation
The Urban and Regional Councils develop and manage facilities which include sports grounds, playgrounds, indoor games halls, holiday camps, swimming pools and beaches. The 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 within their respective areas. The Sir
357
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.