Kowloon Public Library 3.23

The Kowloon Public Library is a public library located at 5 Pui Ching Road, Ho Man Tin. It was previously known as the Kowloon Central Library. It is managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), and is one of the major public libraries in Hong Kong. The 12-storey building comprises about 4000m2 of floor space.HistoryThe first public library in Kowloon was the Waterloo Road Library, opened 1965. 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. 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. 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. In January 2007, the exterior of the library was refreshed when the dark brown walls were repainted white and green.