Aside from removing many books and collections off the shelves amid the National Security Law, Hong Kong public libraries have been unable to meet their targeted quotas for new book materials and were criticized by the Audit Commission.
From 2020 to 2021, after the Hong Kong government implemented the National Security Law, the gap between the number of new Chinese adult book collections and the quantities of books ordered in development plans widened.
Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), which manages and operates public libraries in Hong Kong, said the gap stemmed from safeguarding national security and the shrinkage of the publishing industry in recent years.
Hongkongers working in the Taiwanese publishing industry said the difference would have little impact on local citizens. However, the gap would accelerate the death of Hong Kong public libraries.
Other scholars also pointed out the phenomenon reflected the downsizing in Hong Kong’s societal thought.
Among all collections, the fulfillment rate for Chinese books in adult collections deviated most significantly.
From 2021 to 2022, the accumulated new library materials only reached 72 percent of the number required in the library development plans.
LCSD Blames Its Failure On The Publishing Business
The audit report quoted the information LCSD informed the Audit Office in March 2023 that the procurement of library materials was a “process full of variables.”LCSD said the actual quantity of purchases depended on many factors, such as market supply, book price, and reader recommendation.
LCSD explained the negative effect of the coronavirus pandemic, coupled with the atrophy of the publishing industry, such as suspended or scaled-down book fairs, leading to a drop in newly released books.
LCSD said Chinese books had been impacted more seriously than others, including those published in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Another reason LCSD pointed to safeguarding national security; LCSD said it took more time to review new library materials to ensure it meets the national security requirement.
‘More Measures’ On Safeguarding National Security
The Audit Office said LCSD needs to step up its efforts in examining library materials to safeguard national security and taking proper follow-up actions.LCSD responded to the Audit Office’s suggestion to strengthen its work on reviewing library materials to maintain national security safety as its top priority. It emphasized revising library book materials for national security is an ongoing task.
LCSD also reported that library books that did not pass the inspection reviews had been removed from the public library collection.
LCSD reassured the Audit Office that it would consider public complaints, inquiries, and national security in its work.
As soon as someone files a book complaint, LCSD will first suspend the book accused of violating the Security Law in all library services before a preliminary review.
‘Freedom of Thought is Diminishing’
Historian Hans Yeung stated the authorities only used the pandemic as a convenient excuse. “Everyone knows the reason why publishing is dying: It is primarily due to political repression. Hong Kong’s freedom of the press has entered a cold winter amid the National Security Law.”For instance, Yeung said that independent publishing houses, such as Hillway Culture, were oppressed by the government; they were denied participation in the Hong Kong Book Fairs. “They even failed to run their own Hong Kongers’ Bookfairs because of the same reason: political oppression.”
Yeung affirmed that book publishing is an expression and dissemination of ideas. “The dwindling of the publishing industry and the substandard procurement of public libraries mirror the societal thought of Hong Kong is also diminishing.”
Yeung said without freedom of thought, no one could record ideas truthfully. Hence, it would decrease the number of book materials the government could or would be willing to acquire.
‘Publishing Needs Supports’
Hung Tak Wai, Editor in Chief of 1841, a publishing house founded by Hongkongers living in Taiwan, counter-argued LCSD’s claim with The Epoch Times in an interview. Hung disagreed that the pandemic caused a decline in the publishing world and a decrease in new book releases.He reckons that book fulfillment in public libraries has little effect on citizens unless Hong Kong implements internet censorship and gets put behind the regime’s firewall. Otherwise, the authorities cannot control the information from spreading.
“Public libraries are pivotal to education, community culture, and cultural inheritance. but right now, libraries in Hong Kong are becoming obsolete and being replaced, while the government wants to speed up its death.”
Hung described that when facing an environment of restricted freedom, there is nothing the civil society of Hong Kong can do to help books and publishing.
However, he admires that people still dedicate money and time to culture under such circumstances. Hung appreciates the independent, small bookstores and publishing houses still operating. “You cannot get rich by selling books.”
To avoid the publishing industry approaching its death, Hung said support from society gives to cultural establishments is crucial.
The less financial support from Hongkongers, the fewer publishers will survive in Hong Kong.
