City Hall Public Library, Public library in Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong.
City Hall Public Library is a public library in Central and Western District in Hong Kong, spanning multiple floors of the City Hall High Block. The facility houses extensive book and multimedia collections along with dedicated study areas for different visitor groups.
Opened on 5 March 1962 as the City Hall Central Library, it was Hong Kong's first public library, holding about 25,000 books including part of the Lo Hok-hui collection. Governor Robert Black registered for library card number one on 2 March 1962. It served as headquarters of the Hong Kong public library system until the Hong Kong Central Library opened on 17 May 2001, and was renamed City Hall Public Library in 2000.
The library's name changed from City Hall Central Library to City Hall Public Library in 2000, ahead of the Hong Kong Central Library opening in 2001. Its collections grew from about 25,000 books at opening, partly from Lo Hok-hi's collection, to 160,000 items by 1967. In 1979 the United Nations designated it a depository for its publications in Hong Kong.
The library is conveniently located near Central MTR Station Exit K, making it easy to reach by public transport. Be aware that opening hours vary between weekdays and weekends, so check ahead before planning your visit.
On 2 March 1962, before the library opened, Governor Robert Black visited the unfinished premises and registered for library card number one. The library opened three days later with about 25,000 books, partly from the Lo Hok-hui collection, and by 1967 held 160,000 items.
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