Architectural Services Department
The first public library in Kowloon was the Waterloo Road Library, opened 1965. It was replaced when the first phase of the then-Kowloon Central Library opened on 16 November 1984, housed in the first purpose-built library building in the territory. The second phase was opened by Lady Youde, wife of then-Governor Sir Edward Youde, on 9 September 1985. This event is marked by a plaque at the ground level entrance. The building was designed by the Architectural Office (a branch of Public Works Services of the Hong Kong Government since evolved into the Architectural Services Department) with significant contributions by staff architect Pau Shiu-hung. It was originally run under the auspices of the Urban Council Public Libraries before that entity was dissolved into the newly formed LCSD. The library took on its present name in 2000 in anticipation of the opening of the Hong Kong Central Library.