Little Steps has been on a bookworm mission and has borrowed books from public libraries in Causeway Bay to Lamma Island to Kowloon and beyond! This way, we can give you the full breakdown of where to find the best public libraries in Hong Kong and what is available in each. This is a fun and educational day out with the kids and ideal for a rainy day.
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Top Bookstores For Children In Hong Kong
Hong Kong Central Library is the flagship of the local public library system and is the largest public library in this city. Situated next to Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, this humongous concrete beast of a building is hard to miss. You can find over 2.5 million books and multimedia items sectioned into dedicated floors for children, teens, and adults to stroll about inside it. The Toy Library at the Hong Kong Central Library, with its innovative "Enjoy Reading, Value Playing" concept, offers a stimulating environment for children aged 8 and under, along with their parents. This unique facility combines reading and interactive play to foster creativity and a love for reading. Managed by professional playworkers, the library features themed play areas, a selection of curated books, and various interactive sessions that are regularly updated to maintain engagement. It serves as a serene, nature-inspired haven where children can explore and learn through play. Reservations for this exclusive space can be made in person or by phone.
Hong Kong Central Library, 66 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 2921 0503, https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/locations/central-library/hong-kong-central.html
Hong Kong City Hall Library is the oldest public library in Hong Kong, and it was established in 1962. Initially, this library served as the city‘s flagship public library until Hong Kong Central Library took over in 2001. Although this white concrete block doesn't look very inviting, you will be surprised by its welcoming interior. It has cozy little reading nooks for you to relax in, and it has over 537,000 items that you can borrow as well as a children's library! Make sure to check out their events section as they regularly hold Story Telling for Children for ages 4-12 in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Hong Kong City Hall Library, 2/F–6/F & 8/F–11/F, City Hall High Block, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2921 2555, https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/locations/central-and-western/library/city-hall.html
At Little Steps, we love the Tuen Mun Public Library as it offers excellent extra facilities, such as a designated study room for students, a coffee corner (they make great coffee, by the way), a newspaper room, an outdoor area, and more! This vast red building spans over 3,250 square meters and is stocked with a wide variety of books. Make sure to check their events page as they provide educational events for children, teens, and adults.
Tuen Mun Public Library, 1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, +852 2450 0671, https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/locations/tuen-mun/library/tuen-mun.html
North Lamma Public Library had a revamp a few years ago in 2019, where they expanded from about 70 square meters to some 177 square meters. They also introduced a self-charging service and more internet and digital service workstations to assist public library materials and access to online and electronic library resources. We love this library because it overlooks the water and it is conveniently located next to the Yung Shue Wan pier. Inside are many reading nooks and desks overlooking the ocean, which is part of their library concept of "reading by the sea".
North Lamma Public Library, 1 Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, +852 2249 5017, https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/locations/islands/library/north-lamma.html
Are you looking for a little reading haven? Head to Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library; although it's a little far, we guarantee it's worth the trip. This eight-story library is a gorgeous example of modern architecture with large inviting windows and stylish wooden accents. This is also the only library in Hong Kong with outdoor reading areas, so make sure to grab a book and head to the terrace to take in the fantastic views of Tin Shui Wai. There's also a children's multimedia room.
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library, High Block, Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building, 1 Tsui Sing Road, Tin Shui Wai, New Territories, Hong Kong, +852 2126 7520, https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/locations/yuen-long/library/ping-shan-tin-shui-wai.html
Tung Chung Public Library is located on Lantau Island and is the district's main public library. It's one out of three public libraries on the island, but this one is the largest. It also offers a great section of children's books and a cute space for them to read in. They also host a lot of events such as Family Storytelling, Storytelling for Children, and more.
Tung Chung Public Library, G/F - 1/F Tung Chung Municipal Services Building, 39 Man Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, +852 2109 3011, https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/locations/islands/library/tung-chung.html
Kowloon Public Library is the largest library on that side of the island, and it houses over 1.5 million books! This library is extremely popular with students and academics, not only because schools surround it but mainly due to its outstanding collection! This library also offers Education Resource Centre on the 9th floor where you can find excellent education-centered materials.
Kowloon Public Library, 5 Pui Ching Road, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong, +852 2926 4055, https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/locations/kowloon-city/library/kowloon.html
Local architect Karr Yip beautifully designed the Ma On Shan Public Library. It received a well-deserved first place award in the Public Art Design Competition held by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Although this library is definitely not as large as others on this list, it is certainly one to check out, to see the design. Little Steps suggests you check it out after sundown as the entire building shines from the inside out due to its floor-to-ceiling windows. This library also offers cool events for kids, like Thematic Storytelling for Children.
Ma On Shan Public Library, 14 On Chun Street, Ma On Shan, New Territories, Hong Kong, +852 2630 1911, https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/locations/sha-tin/library/ma-on-shan.html
Stanley Public Library is a relatively small library; however, it packs a punch. This well-designed library offers books for all ages and has a good selection for children as well as a comfortable area for them to read in. They also have an excellent newspaper section and offer educational events for kids and adults.
Stanley Public Library, Upper Ground Floor, Stanley Municipal Services Building, 6 Stanley Market Road, Stanley, Hong Kong, +852 2923 5171, https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/locations/southern/library/stanley.html
Chai Wan Public Library is Hong Kong's Eastern District's public library. Aside from its many books, it also has a Children's Multimedia Room, a coffee corner, electronic lockers, and a Students' Study Room. They also host many cool educational events and workshops like Workshop: Colour Your Pencil Box, Monthly Meeting of Joyful Reading of Reading Programme for Children and Youth, and more!
Chai Wan Public Library, 4-5/F., Chai Wan Municipal Services Building, 338 Chai Wan Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong, +852 2921 5055, https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/locations/eastern/library/chai-wan.html
Full list of all public libraries across Hong Kong - Click here!
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