The arch-shaped entrance at the front elevation of the Hong Kong Central Library represents the Gate to Knowledge, while the graphics in the shape of triangle, square and circle denote different meanings. The circle stands for the sky, the square for the land and the triangle for accumulation of knowledge.

With its commissioning in May 2001, the Hong Kong Central Library not only provides a full range of library facilities on a larger scale, but also provides comprehensive reference and information services to a fuller extent. Other major facilities include self-charging terminals, 24-hour bookdrop, information kiosks and Multimedia Information System.

The Hong Kong Central Library is an intelligent building, built on a network flooring system to provide flexibility for the supply of power, telecommunication and further change and expansion. Hong Kong Central Library has been designated as the depository library in Hong Kong for nine international organizations, namely, Asian Development Bank, European Union, International Labour Organization, International Maritime Organization, United Nations, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, World Bank, World Trade Organization and World Food Programme.

Besides, a specific collection on the "Basic Laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" is housed in the Hong Kong Central Library. This collection provides various kinds of reference materials including newspapers clippings, court judgement, books and multimedia materials on Basic Laws. As reading tables are all provided with power points and dataline outlets, readers may use their own portable computers to search for the information available on the library system and the Internet. Readers can also access a wide range of multimedia databases on CD-ROMs and the Internet through the LAN/ATM workstations.