ENG-2000 — Page 467

RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS

Support of Lifelong Learning

In support of lifelong learning, the libraries collaborate with the Education Department in arranging registration for library cards at schools. Course materials of the Open University of Hong Kong are deposited in the public libraries for reference. The public libraries also provide supporting library services for Project Springboard, a bridging programme for secondary school leavers and adult learners funded by the Education and Manpower Bureau and 10 tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. Plans are also in hand to set up an education resource centre in the Kowloon Public Library.

Outreach Programmes and Promotion of Literary Arts

Outreach programmes form an integral part of library services. Educational and recreational programmes are organised to promote the use of library facilities, inculcate life-long reading habits and enhance the public's appreciation of the importance of free and easy access to up-to-date information. These programmes include children's hours, book displays and exhibitions, subject talks, interest clubs and group visits. There are also user education sessions on searching the On-line Public Access Catalogue, the on-line database, the Internet and CD-ROMs. In all, there were 15 320 000 participants in the outreach programmes during the year.

A reading programme is organised to encourage young people to cultivate regular reading habits. In addition to a wide variety of reading related programmes, a Millennium Reading Pledge Programme was organised from July to October to further encourage reading among young people.

The libraries play an active role in the promotion of literary arts in Hong Kong. A number of regular literary competitions, including the Awards for Creative Writing in Chinese, the Chinese Poetry Writing Competition, Hong Kong Biennial Awards for Chinese Literature, Competition on Story Writing in Chinese for Students as well as the Hong Kong Literature Festival are presented by the libraries on a regular basis. In addition, 88 Chinese literary books have been published by the libraries since 1980 to encourage creative writing.

Service to the Disabled

The libraries provide a range of services and facilities for people with disabilities. Adequate access for the disabled is provided in all new libraries and most of the existing libraries. A hotline is provided for people with disabilities. Block loans are arranged for organisations for the disabled. A collection of English fiction in large print is provided for the visually impaired and elderly readers at five major libraries. A reading machine for the blind and a colour image magnifier are available at both the City Hall Public Library and the Kowloon Public Library. In addition, computer software and equipment such as a Refreshable Braille Display Unit, Computer Magnification Software and Cantonese and English Voice Synthesiser Software - are installed in the branch libraries to aid the visually impaired in using computer facilities.

Library Initiatives

Since January 1, 2000, new-type library cards have been issued to new applicants, enabling them to borrow books from any library.

403