Kowloon Public Library

The first public library in Kowloon was the Waterloo Road Library, opened 1965.{{cite web|title=HKPL's 50 Years of Dedicated Services|url=http://www.hkpl.gov.hk/english/ext_act/ext_act_pub/ext_act_pub_ln/2012/3/01.html|work=Library Newsletter – March 2012 Issue|publisher=Hong Kong Public Libraries|accessdate=5 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331125025/http://hkpl.gov.hk/english/ext_act/ext_act_pub/ext_act_pub_ln/2012/3/01.html|archive-date=31 March 2013|url-status=dead}} It was replaced when the first phase of the then-Kowloon Central Library opened on 16 November 1984, housed in the first purpose-built library building in the territory. The second phase was opened by Lady Youde, wife of then-Governor Sir Edward Youde, on 9 September 1985.{{cite book|last=Chan|first=Julia L.Y.|title=Libraries and Information Centres in Hong Kong|year=1996|publisher=Hong Kong University Press|location=Hong Kong|page=489}} This event is marked by a plaque at the ground level entrance. The building was designed by the Architectural Office (a branch of Public Works Services of the Hong Kong Government since evolved into the Architectural Services Department) with significant contributions by staff architect Pau Shiu-hung.{{cite book|title=Growing with Hong Kong: The University and Its Graduates : the First 90 Years|year=2002|publisher=Hong Kong University Press|location=Hong Kong|page=154}} It was originally run under the auspices of the Urban Council Public Libraries before that entity was dissolved into the newly formed LCSD. The library took on its present name in 2000 in anticipation of the opening of the Hong Kong Central Library.

A renovation of the library began in May 2005. The facilities were refurbished, and the Computer and Information Centre was expanded.{{cite web|title=Renovation works at Kowloon Public Library start in May|url=http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200504/27/04270275.htm|work=Press release|publisher=HKSAR Government|accessdate=5 January 2014}} In January 2007, the exterior of the library was refreshed when the dark brown walls were repainted white and green.

The students' study room on the third storey is well-used by students of many schools in the vicinity; namely Pui Ching Middle School, New Method College, Wah Yan College, Yu Chun Keung Memorial College, and others. During the examination period each year (March to May) admission cards are required to enter, while the study room is open to the general public the other nine months of the year.

On 4 May 2007 a {{convert|200|m2|sqft}} Education Resource Centre opened on the ninth storey providing members of the public and teaching professionals opportunity for continuous learning in education and related fields. It now contains over 40,000 physical and electronic resources covering educational theory, psychology, sociology, civic education, school administration, linguistics, phonology, bilingual education, as well as local and foreign serials, syllabuses and learning assessment data. It also provides information on language learning resources in both Chinese and English, as well as several "language learning booths".{{cite web|title=Eye on Public Libraries in Hong Kong – Kowloon City District|url=http://www.hkpl.gov.hk/english/ext_act/ext_act_pub/ext_act_pub_ln/2010/5/03.html|work=Library Newsletter – May 2010 Issue|publisher=Hong Kong Public Libraries|accessdate=5 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106041153/http://www.hkpl.gov.hk/english/ext_act/ext_act_pub/ext_act_pub_ln/2010/5/03.html|archive-date=6 January 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=The Education Resource Centre (ERC)|url=https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/english/services/services_rls/services_rls_erc.html|publisher=Hong Kong Public Libraries|accessdate=5 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111192750/http://www.hkpl.gov.hk/english/services/services_rls/services_rls_erc.html|archive-date=11 January 2014|url-status=dead}}

File:Kowloon Public Library 7F stacks.jpg

{{Commons category|Kowloon Public Library}}

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• [https://web.archive.org/web/20101212225431/http://hkpl.gov.hk/english/locat_hour/locat_hour_ll/locat_hour_ll_kr/library_18.html Kowloon Public Library]

{{Public libraries in Hong Kong}}

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Category:Ho Man Tin

Category:Libraries established in 1984

Category:Library buildings completed in 1984

Category:Public libraries in Hong Kong

Category:1984 establishments in Hong Kong

Category:Libraries in Hong Kong