Hong Kong Public Libraries ( HKPL) announced that starting from Saturday, it will launch a series of reading activities to celebrate "4.23 World Book Day".

"World Book Day" celebrations began with the prize presentation and launch of the "4.23 World Book Day Reading Report Competition 2006".

The competition, which comprises Chinese and English book report writing and bookmark design, was open to primary and secondary students.

Columnist and culture critics are invited to share their experience in reading and book report writing.

Besides, readers who borrow library materials from HKPL on Sunday will receive a free souvenir to mark the World Book Day.