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Libraries are one of the most important things in a neighborhood. It not only provides a place where knowledge is kept, but also a quiet place where people can go read and learn. Hong Kong is not short of libraries, with over 60 public libraries not including those in universities. However, today we want to talk to you about the coolest and the best public libraries in Hong Kong:

Hong Kong City Hall Library, Central

The Hong Kong City Hall is a historical building that can be traced all the way back to the colonial times. And it is also home to the oldest library in Hong Kong, which opened on 5^th March 1962. Since then, many renovations and changes had occurred to the City Hall, and the library had evolved through time alongside. Now it is housed alongside theatres, exhibition room and is scattered over 9 floors of the building, from 2/F to 6/F and from 8/F to 11/F.

Address: 2-6/F. & 8-11/F, City Hall High Block, Central

Opening times: Fri – Sat, Mon – Weds: 9:00 – 20:00; Thurs: 12:00 – 20:00; Sun: 9:00 – 17:00

Hong Kong Central Library, Causeway Bay

The largest library in Hong Kong, its use can be equated as Hong Kong’s national library. Opened in 2001, it consists of 12 floors and 364,000 square feet. The building’s arch shaped entrance at the front represents the Gate of Knowledge, which is always open. The architecture of the Central Library is a mix of modern and old, with classical columns and glass windows mix together. The interior, however, is all modern and its huge collection and great facilities makes it the most popular library in Hong Kong.

Address:66 Causeway Rd, Causeway Bay

Opening times: Thurs – Tues: 10:00 – 21:00; Weds: 13:00 – 21:00

Kowloon Public Library, Ho Man Tin

A massive library with 12 storey and over 43,000 square feet floor space, the Kowloon Central Library is one of the largest in Hong Kong. It was renamed from Kowloon Central Library in 2000 with the opening of the Hong Kong Central Library, and its modern, sleek look a result of renovation in 2007. The library is very popular with local school students, especially in regards to their study room during exam period.

Address: 5 Pui Ching Rd, Ho Man Tin

Opening times: Tues – Sat 9:00 – 20:00; Sun : 9:00 – 17:00; Mon: 12:00 – 20:00

Chi Lin Buddhist Library

Established in 1982, the Chi Lin Buddhist Library is housed within the Chi Lin Center’s fifth floor, offering 10,000 square feet of knowledge on Buddhist, Philosophy, Buddhist architecture and art. Open to the public as well, it’s a great place to venture into if you are visiting the Chi Lin Monastery and wants to know more about Buddhism, or simply needs somewhere air conditioned to retreat to.

Address: Chi Lin Centre, 5 Chi Lin Dr, Sheung Yuen Leng, Diamond Hill

Opening times: Mon – Fri: 14:00 – 20:00; weekends and public holidays: 9:30 – 17:30

Sha Tin Public Library

A brick-red ceramic tile building that’s part of the Sha Tin City Hall complex, the Sha Tin Public Library was opened in 1987 and used to be called Sha Tin Central Library until 2000. It is a stone throw away from New Town Plaza, Sha Tin Park and you often see people taking wedding photos nearby, as the Shatin Law Courts is less than a minute away. The library has three floors and is the only major library in the district.

Address:1 Yuen Wo Rd, Sha Tin

Opening times: Mon – Weds, Fri – Sat: 9:00 – 20:00; Thurs: 12:00 – 20:00; Sun: 9:00 – 17:00