Floating library Doulos Hope has dropped anchor in Hong Kong and will be docked in the territory until May 26, 2024, at Harbour City’s Ocean Terminal. Visitors will get the opportunity to browse through a wide selection of books, from children’s stories and colouring books, to works on cookery and science. Read on to find out how to book your spot on this ship.
What is the Doulos Hope?
The Doulos Hope is a former cruise ship operated by German non-profit organisation GBA Ships that has been refurbished into a floating library. In the one year since it entered service, it has visited ports in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines. This is the first time it has come to Hong Kong.
When is the Doulos Hope in Hong Kong?
The Doulos Hope is currently in Hong Kong until Sunday, May 26, 2024. It is open to visitors for one-hour sessions from 12:30pm-8:30pm every day, except for the first session, which is 1.5 hours long. Last entry is at 8pm. The library is closed on Mondays. To get to the ship, enter Harbour City and head to the Ocean Terminal’s Passenger Waiting Hall on Level 2 (opposite Tsukada Nojo).
What is on board the Doulos Hope?
Once onboard, visitors can browse over 2,000 titles across a wide range of genres — think children’s books, novels, works on science, religion and cooking, as well as activity and colouring books for kids. Pricing is reasonable, and books cost as little as HK$20. Visitors can even pick up souvenirs like pens, cups, keychains, and bags to remember their time on the ship.
After making their purchases, book lovers can also stop by the Hope Café, where they can snack on popcorn and ice cream, and sip on hot beverages and juice. They can check out the view of the harbour while they sit at tables on the deck, or chat with the ship’s volunteers, who number 100 and come from 25 countries.
How can I board the Doulos Hope floating library?
Visitors should book tickets online to board the Doulos Hope. Reservations for the coming week open every Sunday evening. Adults must pay an admission fee of HK$20 in cash when they arrive at the ship, while children under 12 (accompanied by an adult) and senior citizens get free entry. Staff will request to see proof of your reservation before you board the ship. Visitors can pay for their onboard purchases by credit card or cash.
Header image credits: Harbour City
