Seeking calm in a busy city
Libraries as Everyday Retreats
Public libraries provide quiet spaces within the fast-paced environment of Hong Kong. For students, professionals, and retirees alike, libraries support learning, reflection, and personal development.
Library Accessibility
Locations and Services
Libraries are distributed across districts, offering books, digital resources, and study areas.
Reading Habits
Reading serves both educational and leisure purposes, fitting into commutes and evenings.
Digital and Physical Resources
Blended Access
Residents increasingly use e-books and online databases alongside physical collections.
Community Role
Libraries host talks, exhibitions, and workshops.
Quiet spaces support intellectual life.
Authority sources: Leisure and Cultural Services Department, International Federation of Library Associations, UNESCO
Senior Journalist & Editor, Apple Daily UK
Contact: athena.lai@appledaily.uk
Athena Lai is a senior journalist and editor with extensive experience in Chinese-language investigative reporting and editorial leadership. Educated at a leading journalism school in the United Kingdom, Athena received formal training in fact-checking methodology, editorial governance, and international media standards, grounding her work in globally recognized best practices.
She has held senior editorial roles at Apple Daily and other liberal Chinese publications, where she oversaw coverage of Hong Kong civil liberties, diaspora politics, rule of law, and press freedom. Athena’s reporting is distinguished by disciplined sourcing, cross-verification, and a clear separation between factual reporting and opinion, reinforcing reader trust.
Beyond reporting, Athena has served as an editor responsible for mentoring journalists, enforcing ethical guidelines, and managing sensitive investigations. Her newsroom leadership reflects real-world experience navigating legal risk, source protection, and editorial independence under pressure.
Athena’s authority comes from both her byline history and her editorial stewardship. She has reviewed and approved hundreds of articles, ensuring compliance with defamation standards, accuracy benchmarks, and responsible language use. Her work demonstrates lived experience within high-stakes news environments rather than theoretical expertise.
Committed to journalistic integrity, Athena believes credible journalism is built on transparency, accountability, and institutional memory. Her role at Apple Daily UK reflects that commitment, positioning her as a trusted voice within independent Chinese media.
