The Promotion of Local Publications and Reading Culture Programme

About the Promotion of Local Publications and Reading Culture Programme

The Promotion Programme lasts for 3 years (from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2029), with $39 million funding from the Hong Kong Government.

Aim of the Promotion of Local Publications and Reading Culture Programme 

• Support Local authors and Local publishers.
• Encourage the development and use of electronic platforms in local publishing industry.
• Promote reading culture in Hong Kong.
• Through collaboration between the publishing industry and Hong Kong Public Libraries, development of Smart Library System and enable the public to enjoy a wider variety of library services.

Main Objectives

Enhance the book data database to provide richer and more detailed bibliographic information to help readers select suitable and high-quality local books. Thereby fostering interest in reading and creating a more popular reading atmosphere.

Collect and digitize about 100,000 titles of local book cover images and related book data in the library collection of the Hong Kong Public Libraries.

Encourage the local publishing sector to develop and make good use of electronic platform.

Promote reading culture and cultivate reading habits by inviting local authors to participate in HKPL events.

Broadly support the publishing sector and authors in Hong Kong, promote the healthy development of the publishing industry, attract more young people to join the creative industry, and promote local culture.

About HKRRLS

The Hong Kong Reprographic Rights Licensing Society (HKRRLS) was established in 1995 by Hong Kong authors and publishers.  It is one of the six licensing bodies registered with the Copyright Licensing Bodies Registry in Hong Kong. HKRRLS grants licences to the public, including but not limited to primary and secondary schools, tertiary institutions, various government departments, public institutions, commercial organisations, associations, libraries, photocopying shops. HKRRLS represents millions of publications published in Hong Kong and overseas, via its affiliation with the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFFRO). The aim of HKRRLS aims to protect the intellectual property rights of its represented authors and publishers and to raise public awareness of copyright and collective management organisations.

Click here for the Promotion Programme Registration.