The 2026 Hong Kong Reading Week and the "Hong Kong Reading+" initiative officially kicked off on April 18 in Hong Kong, bringing a rich lineup of literary and cultural activities to the city.

A total of 25 reading and cultural programs organized by the Shenzhen Municipal Publicity Department will be rolled out across the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) throughout the event period. These include technology‑driven reading experiences and a series of cultural exchange activities, further strengthening the "Twin Cities, One Reading Community" brand shared by Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

In a video address at the opening ceremony, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee noted that "a love of reading among the public" has been included in China's annual government work report for 13 consecutive years. The 15th Five‑Year Plan also calls for fostering a culture of reading across society.

Lee added that the Hong Kong SAR government is actively expanding regional cooperation. Under the framework of the Greater Bay Area Public Library Alliance, Hong Kong is working with mainland cities to promote shared collections, joint cultural exhibitions, and mutual access to digital resources, helping cultivate a cross‑regional reading culture.