Gain an overview of the Hong Kong public library system, including where libraries are, the services and facilities they offer, the activities that take place in them and how to use your Hong Kong identity card as a library card.

Check out the locations and opening hours of all public libraries here.

Find quick links to all online library services here, including search, reservation, renewal of library materials and more.

The Hong Kong Public Libraries of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has launched a pilot scheme to set up three Self-service Library Stations, one each on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and the New Territories.  These stations provide round-the-clock services, such as borrowing, return, payment and pickup of reserved library materials.

A collection with different subject of e-Books is now available to the Hong Kong Public Libraries' library cardholders in all ages via the Internet, including Chinese and English e-Books and e-Audiobooks.

Hong Kong Public Libraries provides registered readers with different types of electronic resources on various subjects via the Internet or through designated library workstations, including

• e-Books/ e-Audiobooks
• e-Databases
• e-Magazines
• Newspapers and Periodicals
• Children’s Resources
• Reference tools
• Digital collection

The System provides a one-stop platform encompassing a broad spectrum of multimedia and digitised materials on culture, history and literature of Hong Kong and other resources, including

• e-Books
• Old Hong Kong Newspaper
• Photos
• Maps
• Hong Kong Public Examinations Papers
• Subject Talks Collection 

Find out what programmes and activities are taking place in the Hong Kong Public Libraries, including book exhibitions, storytelling for children, subject talks and more.

Find out details of the library outreach of the Hong Kong Public Libraries, including community libraries, block loan services and Library-on-Wheels.

Find out what literary short videos produced by Hong Kong Public Libraries.

Hong Kong Public Libraries selected books, e-books and e-resources and compiled into Resources Highlights on different subject for readers’ reference and study. Topics include

• Education
• Nations and Regions
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Science and Technology
• Business and Finance

Learn more about the programmes, events and resources designed to stimulate the reading interests of kids.

Public Libraries regularly organise activities specifically designed for young adults, and also recommend electronic resources as well as project guides on topics of interest to the teens.

Find out the Newsletter by Hong Kong Public Libraries.

You can use your Smart ID card for library services rather than carrying a separate library card. Learn the application procedure and download the application form here.

Learn how to apply for a free library card in order to gain access to the public libraries in Hong Kong.

Learn how to apply for a free library card for guarantor’s use through this webpage in order to cater for the reading needs of the children, the elderly and the mobility handicapped.

Learn how to apply for a free library card for guarantor’s use (secondary guarantor) through this webpage in order to cater for the reading needs of the children, the elderly and the mobility handicapped.

If you lose your Smart ID card allowed for public library services, you need to report loss to both the Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Public Libraries. Find out how to report loss and download the form here.

Lost your library card? Find out how to apply for a replacement here.

If you have never applied for a library card or E-Account of Hong Kong Public Libraries, you can make application through this online platform.