Literature in the City
In recent years, the number of registered readers, as well as the collection of books and multimedia materials in libraries under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, has increased compared to the past. However, the number of borrowed books and multimedia materials has shown a downward trend. Additionally, a survey indicated that over 70% of respondents who read physical books or publications reported a median annual reading volume of only six books, which is lower than in the previous two years. In 2021, the total export value of printed publications in Hong Kong was approximately HK$12 billion, but this fell to around HK$6.6 billion in 2022, a decrease of 45%. Are Hong Kong people now preferring to look at their phones rather than read books? Do people in Hong Kong utilise their free time for reading? Are public library services and resources appealing enough to encourage...