The Macao Post Office will issue stamps on the image of several historic libraries starting on Friday, the Macao Post Office said here in Macao Wednesday.
   
Macao was the earliest region in Asia to develop libraries. The St. Paul School Library, founded in 1594 in Macao, was the first library in Asia.
   
Speaking at Wednesday's press conference, Carlos Alberto Roldao Lopes, director of the office said that by issuing stamps, the bureau is making its own effort in cheering for Macao's bidding for the UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage listing this year.   

The set of four stamps carry images of four libraries in Chinese wash painting. Among them, the Central Library of Macao, which has its history dating back to 1895, was the first public library in Macao. Being well renovated, the library carrying typical Portuguese architecture style still offers a favorable study environment for children and adult readers.
   
The Sir Robert Ho Tung Library is another worth mentioning site. The building built in 1894, was contributed by the wealthy gentleman to the government. Opened as a public library in 1958, the library is the only villa-style library in the south China region.
   
The Post Office will issue 275,000 sets of stamps and 5,500 first-day covers on the theme.

(Xinhua News Agency April 14, 2005)