Libraries in Hong Kong should stay open later
I am writing in response to the article “HK’s libraries need to improve” (Young Post, October 30). The writer says longer opening hours for local libraries will greatly help those who get off work late.
I agree that better resources and longer opening hours at libraries would improve the city’s reading culture. In Hong Kong, most people get off work late. Although some of them are interested in reading, they may not have enough time to pursue their interest.
Most public libraries here close at 8pm, so a lot of people may not have the time to go to the library and read after they finish work.
I think the government should extend the opening hours of public libraries, like in Singapore and Taiwan. This way, people who finish work late also have the chance to read books.
What do the other readers think?
Hayley Lam Yuk-wa, Leung Shek Chee College
Thank you for your email, Hayley. I’m always surprised that so few people in Hong Kong seem to realise that those who work full time might like to do things out of office hours, such as go to a physiotherapist or borrow a book. It seems like such a missed opportunity.
I would think that hairdressers that open before working hours would be quite popular with women who have an important meeting to attend. Libraries and bookshops should consider staying open until midnight. Perhaps we could even have schools that run at night time, so that school buildings could be shared.
As our world changes, perhaps life will reflect more of our internet experiences. After all, Taobao and Amazon are never closed.
Susan, Editor