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The Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) is committed to encouraging the public to develop an interest in reading. To cater for the needs of the young reader, the elderly and the mobility-impaired, a new Library Card for Guarantor's Use scheme will be launched from tomorrow (August 8) to enable patrons in need to enjoy reading without having to visit a library in person to borrow library materials.
A spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department remarked today (August 7) that the HKPL's Library Card for Guarantor's Use scheme will enable a guarantor to use a guarantee's account to borrow library materials on behalf of the guarantee conveniently.
The Library Card for Guarantor's Use is specially designed for the following three types of patrons:
(1) children who are too young to go to libraries alone and those who need assistance from adults;
(2) senior citizens aged 60 or above; or
(3) adult library card holders aged 18 and above who are unable to visit libraries in person due to special reasons such as mobility impairment or prolonged illness (applicants are required to provide supporting documents).
The above applicants for the Library Card for Guarantor's Use must be residents of Hong Kong aged 18 or above. A guarantor for item (1) should be a card holder's parent or guardian who can help to choose suitable library materials for the young child. In case the library card holder's parents or guardian cannot be the guarantor, a resident of Hong Kong aged 18 or above can be the guarantor. The card will expire automatically when the guarantee reaches the age of 18. The Library Card for Guarantor's Use for items (2) and (3) will expire after three years from the date of issue. The guarantor may re-apply for the card if necessary.
As is the case with the HKPL's library card, the Library Card for Guarantor's Use entitles the holder to borrow library materials at a maximum of six items at any given time. The borrowed items will be charged to the account of the library card holder under guarantee. Owning a Library Card for Guarantor's Use will not provide an additional borrowing quota to the guarantor.
For enquiries on application for the Library Card for Guarantor's Use, please call 2921 0208. Application forms will be available from tomorrow (August 8) at all public libraries and can be downloaded from the HKPL's website at www.hkpl.gov.hk/forms.
Ends/Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Issued at HKT 11:00
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