There are so many good reasons to introduce kids to a public library. If you’re looking to start your kids’ reading journey while also teaching them important values and skills, head to one of Hong Kong’s public libraries.
Most of us believe our kids have it much easier than we ever did. After all, they have everything they could possibly need (and more!) available to them – clothes spilling out of cupboards, toys in every nook and corner of the house and shelves filled with books. Visiting a public library is a great way to make children more grateful and help them realise that they don’t need to buy everything they fancy and that they can and should share resources. Scroll below to learn more about the benefits of introducing the kids to a public library.
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Public Libraries On Hong Kong Island
Public Libraries In Kowloon
Public Libraries In New Territories
Read More: Bookstores In Hong Kong – Where To Buy Children’s Books
Best Public Libraries On Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Central Library
We love this library and for good reason! It’s always a must-visit on every Hong Kong bucket list. Other than the impressive collection of books, multimedia resources and newspapers, this has a babycare room, children’s multimedia room and a toy library as well, for those looking for a play area for little ones.
Hong Kong Central Library Opening Hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 10am to 9pm; Wednesday, 1pm to 9pm
Hong Kong Central Library, 66 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 3150 1234, [email protected], www.hkpl.gov.hk
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Hong Kong City Hall Library
Established in 1962, the Hong Kong City Hall Library has a history behind it. Though often associated with official registrations, the City Hall Public Library is surprisingly warm and cosy, especially its children’s reading corner.
Hong Kong City Hall Library Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday & Friday to Saturday, 9am to 8pm; Thursday, 12pm to 8pm; Sunday, 9am to 5pm
Hong Kong City Hall Library, 2/F to 6/F, 8/F to 11/F, City Hall High Block, Central, Hong Kong, 2921 2555, [email protected], www.hkpl.gov.hk
Aberdeen Public Library
With a children’s library service and multimedia room, this is a good one to visit with the kids. It also regularly hosts children’s events such as book displays, storytelling and reading services. If you happen to have teens who prefer to work outside of the house, keep an eye on the opening hours for the Students’ Study Room during exam time.
Aberdeen Public Library Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 8pm; Sunday, 9am to 5pm; Monday, 12pm to 8pm
Aberdeen Public Library, 3/F, Aberdeen Municipal Services Building, 203 Aberdeen Main Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, 2921 1056, [email protected], www.hkpl.gov.hk
More Public Libraries On Hong Kong Island
- Shek Tong Tsui Public Library – Offers children’s library service, multimedia room and Students’ Study Room. www.hkpl.gov.hk
- Stanley Public Library – Large selection of children’s books and children’s internet service at this public library. www.hkpl.gov.hk
- Chai Wan Public Library – Library with a Teens’ Reading Club, coffee corner and children’s multimedia room. www.hkpl.gov.hk
Best Public Libraries In Kowloon
Kowloon Public Library
With so many schools around, Kowloon Public Library is a popular stop for students, teachers and parents living and working in Kowloon, especially with its Coffee Corner catering to all us caffeine fiends. If you haven’t visited yet, it’s another one to strike off your bucket list in Hong Kong.
Kowloon Public Library Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 8pm; Sunday, 9am to 5pm; Monday, 12pm to 8pm
Kowloon Public Library, 5 Pui Ching Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2926 4055, [email protected], www.hkpl.gov.hk
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Ma On Shan Public Library
Situated next to Ma On Shan Park, the Ma On Shan Public Library is characterised by its cylindrical shape and a huge selection of children’s books, as well as multiple events on every week. There’s also a sports centre nearby if you’re looking for more activities in the area!
Ma On Shan Public Library Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 8pm; Sunday, 9am to 5pm; Monday, 12pm to 8pm
Ma On Shan Public Library, 14 On Chun Street, Ma On Shan, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, 2630 1911, [email protected], www.hkpl.gov.hk
Read More: Kids’ Activities – Things To Do With Kids In Hong Kong This Month
More Public Libraries In Kowloon
- Fa Yuen Street Public Library – Public Library located on sneaker street in Kowloon. www.hkpl.gov.hk
- Shek Kip Mei Public Library – Children’s books, multimedia corner and reading area. www.hkpl.gov.hk
- Sau Mau Ping Public Library – Recently upgraded library with weekly events, book displays and a babycare room. www.hkpl.gov.hk
Best Public Libraries In The New Territories
Tuen Mun Public Library
This red building stands out in Tuen Mun and it’s a great place for parents and kids to visit over the weekend. It has a nice coffee area, a newspaper room and even a charming open space outdoors.
Tuen Mun Public Library Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 8pm; Sunday, 9am to 5pm; Monday, 12pm to 8pm
Tuen Mun Public Library, 1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, 2450 0671, [email protected], www.hkpl.gov.hk
North Lamma Public Library
The North Lamma Public Library is located in Yung Shue Wan and is designed to make you feel as though you’re reading a book by the ocean! The ground floor of the library is a heritage showroom showcasing antiquities and videos about the history and culture of Lamma Island.
North Lamma Public Library Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday & Friday to Saturday, 10am to 1pm & 2pm to 6pm; Sunday, 10am to 1pm; closed on Thursday
North Lamma Public Library, 1 Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, 2249 5017, [email protected], www.hkpl.gov.hk
Read More: Exploring Lamma Island With Kids – Where To Eat, Shop, And Things To Do
Tung Chung Public Library
With an area of almost 3000 square metres, Tung Chung Public Library has an animal-themed children’s section on the ground floor with a wide variety of kid-friendly books.
Tung Chung Public Library Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 8pm; Sunday, 9am to 5pm; Monday, 12pm to 8pm
Tung Chung Public Library, G/F to 1/F, Tung Chung Municipal Services Building, 39 Man Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2109 3011, [email protected], www.hkpl.gov.hk
More Public Libraries In The New Territories
- Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library – Charming outdoor reading areas at this New Territories public library with a children’s multimedia room. www.hkpl.gov.hk
- Tiu Keng Leng Public Library – Nature-themed children’s library with a babycare room and a Students’ Study Room. www.hkpl.gov.hk
- Sha Tin Public Library – A major district library with a coffee corner, Sports and Fitness Collection, Students’ Study Room and a Cultural and Historical Resources Corner. www.hkpl.gov.hk
Need any more convincing? See what one Sassy Mama has to say about taking her kids to the library:
The convenience of booking books online irrespective which Hong Kong library shelf it is on in the city and having them dropped off at the library closest to your house is just phenomenal.
While we do love owning books, especially some classics, the Hong Kong libraries are a great way to get access to hard copy books (and stay away from gadgets such as Kindle) to build on the joy of reading!
If you’re ready to explore, grab your kiddo and head to your nearest Hong Kong public library today!
Editor’s Note: “Public Library Services In Hong Kong: Taking Your Kids To The Library” was most recently updated in June 2024 by Veena Raghunath, with thanks to Najuka Redkar for her contribution.