Libraries told to step up efforts in examining materials to safeguard national security
Hong Kong’s audit watchdog has told the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to step up efforts in examining library materials in order to safeguard national security as well as take follow-up actions.
The latest audit report was tabled in the Legislative Council on Wednesday morning.
In the chapter on the management of public libraries, the watchdog noted that the LCSD commenced a preliminary review of the library materials in 2021 after considering complaints, inquiries, and national security risk considerations.
Since then, LCSD has examined the materials identified in the preliminary review for taking necessary follow-up actions, including suspension from library services.
According to LCSD, the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) has already completed the review of books manifestly contrary to national security interests and removed them from the library collections.
Up to February 2023, the examination and follow-up actions were still in progress.
In reply, the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services agreed with the audit recommendations, including expediting the follow-up actions on library materials classified as “non-serviceable” and “temporarily unavailable to the public.”
“LCSD agrees that it is of utmost importance in taking actions to safeguard national security. It is an ongoing exercise to examine library books for safeguarding national security,” the director said.
“Upon receipt of public complaints on books which are suspected of violating the National Security Law, HKPL will first suspend the services of the relevant books and review their contents. If the books are found contrary to the interests of national security, they will be withdrawn and permanently removed from the library collections.”