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Recreation, Sport, Culture and the Arts

and 'Multimedia Information' allows readers to view digitised old newspapers and photographs on mobile devices.

Over 1,900 library computers are provided in public libraries, allowing the public to access the libraries' electronic resources, or the internet. More than 200,000 e-books and 21 e-databases are available to registered members for remote access through the internet.

Outreach Programmes and Promotion of Reading and Literary Arts

In 2014, the public libraries conducted 21,371 library outreach programmes, including storytelling sessions, exhibitions, community talks and a variety of reading programmes and reading-related activities to promote reading and sustain an interest in reading. Reading activities were organised on the theme of sustainable development of earth and people.

Promotional programmes for creative writing and Chinese literature in 2014 included the 10th Hong Kong Literature Festival, with a variety of literary activities including an exhibition and a symposium.

Cultural Exchange

In 2014, over 200 participants from Hong Kong and elsewhere attended an international library conference in Hong Kong, the '10th Conference on Co-operative Development and Sharing of Chinese Resources - Digital Legacy.

In conjunction with the conference, Hong Kong's public libraries jointly presented with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music the 'Touring Exhibition of Huang Tzu's Rare Manuscripts - Commemorating the 110th Anniversary of His Birth' and a talk on 'The Art Songs of Huang Tzu' at the Hong Kong Central Library.

The libraries also collaborated with the Hong Kong Library Association and the Goethe Institut Hongkong to organise public lectures by visiting librarians from Germany and Scotland.

Books Registration Office

The Books Registration Office registers local publications and monitors the use of the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) system. It publishes the Catalogue of Books Printed in Hong Kong in the Government Gazette every three months. The catalogue can also be viewed on the internet. In 2014, the office registered 13,600 books, 10,222 periodicals, and issued 971 new publisher prefixes totalling 18,170 ISBNs.

Heritage

Cantonese Opera

The government is keen to preserve, promote and develop Cantonese opera in Hong Kong. Opened in October, the Ko Shan Theatre New Wing provides a 600-seat auditorium and ancillary facilities for Cantonese opera performances, training and rehearsals.

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts launched the first Cantonese opera degree course in Hong Kong in the 2013-14 academic year. The Hong Kong Arts Development Council

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