2nd September 2026 – (Hong Kong) A video circulating on social media has drawn significant attention after it showed a man becoming irate when staff at the Tiu Keng Leng Public Library in Tseung Kwan O declined his request to borrow a stapler. Dressed in a pink gradient vest and shorts, the man was filmed loudly berating staff at the public counter, at one point threatening to call the police and insisting that if he were injured he would pursue legal action. However, he later retracted his threat and warned the staff member to “be careful”, prompting puzzled reactions from bystanders and online viewers.
The incident reportedly began after the man discovered that the library did not provide staplers for public use. Frustration quickly escalated, with the man aggressively pointing and shouting at the front desk worker, who remained composed and refrained from responding confrontationally. Despite his provocative remarks and warnings, library staff maintained professional composure throughout the disturbance.
The release of the footage online triggered heated discussion, with many members of the public critical of the man’s behaviour, calling it unreasonable and suggesting elements of intimidation. Several commentators pointed out that library staff are not obligated to provide personal stationery to patrons. Others expressed sympathy for front-line public sector workers, praising the staff for handling the situation calmly and appropriately.
