Extend Library Hours To Encourage Reading: DAB

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2018-04-18 HKT 18:25

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  The DAB says the government should keep libraries open longer at night and at weekends to help turn more Hong Kong people into bookworms. Photo: Shutterstock

The DAB said on Wednesday that the government should extend library opening hours to encourage more people to read for pleasure.

The party said a recent survey it carried out involving 700 people found that 40 percent rarely read books.

Many people said they simply don't have the time or there's always something more fun to do.

DAB lawmaker Edward Lau said making it easier for people to borrow books would be a good idea.

"People are busy and so we request that the government lengthen the opening times of the public libraries to 11pm and cancel the shortened library hours on weekends or public holidays," Lau said.

On Tuesday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced that the government was bringing back reading subsidies for public schools to help get more children into books.