Imagine a reddish ceramic tile facade. This is the Sha Tin Public Library. We are standing in front of a place of knowledge. Sha Tin Public Library opened its doors on February 16, 1987. It stands as a pillar of learning in Sha Tin, Hong Kong.
Initially, it was known as the Sha Tin Central Library. The name changed in 2000. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has managed it since. This department ensures the library remains a vibrant community resource.
The Sha Tin Public Library shares its complex with the Sha Tin Town Hall. The Sha Tin Marriage Registry is also nearby. Even a restaurant was part of the original complex. Nearby, you’ll find the New Town Plaza. Shatin Law Courts, the Royal Park Hotel, and New Town Tower are also close.
Let’s talk about the building itself. It has three stories open to the public. The first floor is home to the administration offices. You will also find the students’ study room. The main circulation desk and children’s library are on the second floor. The adult library, reference library, and a computer laboratory occupy the third floor.
In the early 2000s, the library’s exterior underwent a significant upgrade. The original glass mosaic tiles had deteriorated. Falling tiles posed a safety risk. The exterior was reclad in reddish ceramic tiles. This matched the style of other buildings in Sha Tin and Tuen Mun.
Between 2007 and 2008, the interior was also modernized. The reading area was revamped. More seating was added to the students’ study room. A new reading corner appeared in the children’s library. Audiovisual equipment was also enhanced.
In 2008, the Sha Tin Public Library introduced a special collection. It is called the “Sports and Fitness Collection”. This collection features over 18,000 items. Books, reports, journals, multimedia, and electronic materials are included.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department categorizes libraries. They distinguish between major, district, and small libraries. Sha Tin Public Library is the only major library in the Sha Tin district. It has been assessed as falling short of space. A new district library was built in Yuen Chau Kok to address this. It opened in 2017.
Sha Tin Public Library stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to learning. It has evolved to meet the changing needs of its users. From its humble beginnings to its modern amenities. The Sha Tin Public Library remains a vital hub. Its resources enrich the lives of those it serves.