News & Resources

The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (6 August) announced the launch of a direct investigation operation to examine the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”)’s services of mobile libraries, Library-on-Wheels and self-service library stations to align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan’s strategic objective of promoting reading for all.

To foster a reading culture and facilitate public access to library services, in addition to 71 static libraries, LCSD operates 12 mobile libraries in the form of bookmobiles at 112 service points to serve communities without static libraries in the vicinity. In locations with heavy pedestrian flows but distant from public libraries, two Library-on-Wheels bookmobiles travel to different districts and schools as outreach activities. Furthermore, three self-service library stations, one each on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and in the New Territories, provide round-the-clock services such as borrowing and returning services, payments and pickups of reserved library materials. In 2025, mobile libraries, Library-on-Wheels and self-service library stations recorded about 575,000 visits, with a total of about 396,730 items checked out.

Taking into account the feedback from users, District Councils and stakeholders, LCSD refines from time to time the services of mobile libraries, Library-on-Wheels and self-service library stations to make public library services more convenient for the public. However, the Office notes that mobile library services are occasionally suspended and the usage of service points varies widely. For example, the number of annual visits to mobile libraries in different public housing estates ranges from a few dozen to several thousand, indicating room for improvement in venue selection. The number of school visits by Library-on-Wheels is also low. In addition, there are public opinions that the operating hours and parking sites of mobile libraries do not adequately meet the needs of communities, and there are also calls for more self-service library stations.

The National 15th Five-Year Plan stipulates strengthening the promotion of reading for all and advancing the development of a society steeped in a culture of reading. In February 2026, the promulgation of the Regulation on Promoting Nationwide Reading, the first dedicated legislation on nationwide reading, elevated the promotion of reading to a national strategic level. The Regulation requires establishing an inclusive and efficient promotion system that covers all citizens, cultivating civility, deepening commitment to family and country, and strengthening the spiritual power essential to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The Office notes that various Mainland cities have introduced a wide range of measures to promote and facilitate reading, including building an extensive network of self-service library stations, which provide 24-hour services in high-density areas such as residential districts, commercial centres and pedestrian passageways near metro stations; applying advanced technologies such as digital reading, AI and virtual reality to enhance enjoyment and interactivity; and organising diverse and innovative activities to integrate reading into daily lives. The successful experiences of Mainland cities offer a useful reference for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Mr Chan said, “Reading not only enriches the mind of individuals but also consolidates the cultural foundation of society. The National 15th Five-Year Plan and the Regulation on Promoting Nationwide Reading set clear directions and guidance for advancing reading nationwide. Public libraries managed by LCSD are essential infrastructure for promoting reading for all, while mobile libraries, Library-on-Wheels and self-service library stations are key components of the library network catering for needs beyond the reach of static libraries. With the promotion of reading elevated to a national strategic level, LCSD should proactively align with national development strategies by enhancing library services to foster a culture of reading in Hong Kong and contribute to the country’s pursuit of cultural strength. In this light, I have decided to launch a direct investigation operation to examine the services of mobile libraries, Library-on-Wheels and self-service library stations, covering service planning, facility maintenance, technology applications, service review mechanisms, promotion and publicity initiatives. Where necessary, pertinent recommendations will be made for improvement. As part of the investigation, the Office will explore how these facilities can be leveraged to promote reading among different groups, including secondary and primary school as well as kindergarten students, underprivileged communities and ethnic minorities, so that reading genuinely integrates into everyday life.”

The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by 7 September:

Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168–200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong

Fax:         2882 8149

Email:     di494@ombudsman.hk

Office of The Ombudsman

For media enquiries, please contact the External Relations Section at enquiry@ombudsman.hk