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Get to Know Us

Our History

The National Library of Public Information was founded in 1923 and is one of the earliest public libraries established in Taiwan. It went through several periods of development:

Get to Know Us

In response to the rapid changes in the trends of the times and the rapid transformation of library functions, the "National Taichung Library Relocation Project" was initiated in 2006 with the approval of the Executive Yuan and included in the "New Top Ten Construction Projects," investing 2 billion NT dollars and eight years of effort to complete. The new main library was inaugurated on June 3, 2012, and officially renamed the "National Library of Public Information" (hereinafter referred to as the NLPI) in 2013, serving the entire nation and tasked with guiding public libraries at all levels nationwide. It is the first national-level digital public library in the country, providing both physical and digital dual-track reading services. The main library is located on Wuquan South Road, South District, Taichung City, complemented by three branch libraries: Liming, Jingwu, and Zhongxing.


Service Features

Utilizing Smart Technology to Enhance Library Services

The NLPI leverages digital transformation to become the first national-level digital public library in the country. It continuously improves smart management and services, smart reading experiences, and enriches digital reading resources through the introduction of innovative smart technology.

 

  • Smart Management and Services
    The NLPI has introduced a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system combined with library automation system and book return inspection system for management. This not only simplifies book borrowing and returning operations but also accelerates inventory work and improves management efficiency.
    In 2017, for the first time, it integrated smart bookshelves and fully automated book reservation and book pickup functions. This allows the library to effectively manage real-time shelf information, and readers can significantly reduce the time spent searching for and picking up books.
    In 2018, the NLPI developed the iLib Guider APP, the first in the country to combine book searching, locating, picking up, and borrowing functions. The APP serves as the core foundation of NLPI’s information system services. Starting from the initial planning of collection guidance services, it integrates the library's existing service spaces and types (physical space/online services), service systems (integrated platform for single-card access, library automation system, seat management system, access control system, self-service borrowing and returning system, guidance service, message push system, etc.), and combines the IoTs (Internet of Things) and smart technology. Through the APP, it provides library contactless services developed based on the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) concept. Without the need for librarians or additional devices, individuals can utilize their own devices (BYOD) to seamlessly navigate the entire library experience, from entry to departure. This includes searching for books, receiving guidance, selecting, borrowing, and exiting the library, all without physical contact. This streamlined process not only enhances the accuracy of book searches but also accelerates the borrowing process, ultimately increasing convenience and accessibility for the public. It also wins the Top 100 Innovative Products Award of Information Month.

 

  • Smart Reading Experience
    At the end of 2023, the NLPI collaborated with universities to develop the country's first GPT-4 generative AI smart librarian, providing readers with consultation and book recommendation services, and also allowing them to chat with the AI smart librarian like a friend. With the rapid development of smart technology, the NLPI continues to actively introduce AI, the IoTs, and other digital technologies to enhance reader services. For example: various AI intelligent robots, 24-hour unmanned micro-libraries, iSpace smart space services, AR augmented reality storytelling, XR extended reality immersive interactive storytelling, and multi-functional space control with IoT environment, etc. (Learn more about smart service features)

 

  • Digital Reading Resources
    The NLPI has developed and continuously enriched the largest self-built traditional Chinese e-book service integration platform in the country. Additionally, it enriches the library's original Picture Book Database, Digital Art Designer Gallery, as well as the library's digital collection of Japanese old books, old newspapers, and other special collections to promote national reading through smart technology and align with lifelong learning.(Learn more about digital reading resources)

 

A Library with REAL Connotations

A Library with REAL ConnotationsThe NLPI aims to construct a national public library reading and learning service network and promote innovative service models oriented toward public demand. Upholding the mission of common development for national public libraries, it strives to promote various innovative businesses. In addition to collecting, organizing, and preserving various physical and digital library materials, providing people with reading and lifelong learning, it combines physical and virtual service spaces, including spaces for book reading, information retrieval, digital services, exhibitions, lectures, training, etc. It also purchases nation-wide public libraries shared digital resources, aiming to provide readers with age-appropriate, intelligent, and customized services, promoting the achievement of the library's three major tasks: collection (collection and aggregation of resources), use (promotion and convenience of reader access), and cultivation (reader learning and growth). With innovative reading modes, unique exploration paths, diverse recreational functions, and welcoming lifelong learning environments, it becomes a library with REAL (Reading, Exploring, recreAtion, Learning) connotations.

 

Introduction to Each Floor

The Main Library of the NLPI consists of five above-ground floors and two underground floors, with a total floor area of 41,797 square meters (approximately 12,000 ping) of construction.

  • 1st Floor:
    Mainly focused on information guidance, library collection circulation, and children's reading and learning, including the Children's Learning Center, Circulation Service Desk, self-service return area, new book display area, and a commercial area serving the public.

 

  • 2nd Floor:
    Mainly dedicated to digital resources and multimedia services, including Information Retrieval Area, Multimedia Collection Area, Audiovisual Appreciation Area, Hearing and Visual Impairment Information Center, Digital Leisure and Art Center, as well as an International Conference Hall (250 seats) and Multipurpose Meeting Rooms.

 

  • 3rd Floor:
    Primarily focused on periodicals, newspapers, senior reading, and multiculturalism, including periodical and newspaper reading area, senior learning resource area, American Corner, British Corner, French Corner, Belgian Corner, Taiwan Material area, Windows to the World exhibition area, and Multicultural Learning Classrooms.

 

  • 4th Floor:
    Mainly for the Chinese book reading area, including natural science area, applied science area, language and social science area.

 

  • 5th Floor:
    Primary for the Chinese and foreign language book reading areas and youth reading spaces, including the youth area and "So Young Hall," art and humanities information area, and foreign language books.

    The 1st underground floor is equipped with a Self-Study Room (316 seats), compact storage, special collections area, bound newspaper section, parking lot, and equipment rooms; the 2nd underground floor is equipped with a parking lot and equipment rooms.(Learn more about spatial facilities)

 

The Concept of Architectural Design

The design of the Main Library of the NLPI was supervised by architect Pan Ji, with the main design concept derived from the urban texture of the 18th-century canals excavated in Taichung City, focusing on the theme of "horizontal flow." The design attempts to symbolize the "flow of knowledge" with flowing facade folds and winding forms, reminding citizens to "explore a city, read a city."

 

The architectural form adopts the concept of intersecting and overlapping "Möbius strips" from mathematical theory, echoing the hydrology and landscapes of central Taiwan, showcasing the aesthetic imagery of knowledge flow. It is the first library in Taiwan to be built using streamlined lines. With an L-shaped configuration and dynamic horizontal window bands, the entire building is activated, fully incorporating natural light. Different window levels capture diverse urban views, creating a dialogue between sunlight and shadows, nurturing a sense of respect for knowledge between humans and nature.

 

The concept of "Outside in-inside out" brings various floor-level window views into the interior, transforming them into themes such as space, furniture, and color systems, integrating green park areas, urban life, and reading environments into one. Starting from a respect for nature, the design conveys the arrival of the "digital reading era" with innovative and poetic architecture.

The architecture of the NLPI features an L-shaped layout, filled with rhythmic horizontal window bands, revitalizing the entire architectural structure.       The architectural design of the NLPI embodies an elegant and highly fluid aesthetic, simulating the beauty of the hydrological landscapes in central Taiwan.
The architecture of the NLPI features an L-shaped layout, filled with rhythmic horizontal window bands, revitalizing the entire architectural structure.   The architectural design of the NLPI embodies an elegant and highly fluid aesthetic, simulating the beauty of the hydrological landscapes in central Taiwan.
     
The unique architectural design of the NLPI presents ingenuity from every angle, each with its own charm.   The NLPI's exterior embodies cutting-edge technology, appearing impressive and grand whether viewed from afar or up close.
The unique architectural design of the NLPI presents ingenuity from every angle, each with its own charm.   The NLPI's exterior embodies cutting-edge technology, appearing impressive and grand whether viewed from afar or up close.
     
Following the   On the top 5th floor, there are various sizes of circular skylights, allowing natural light to stream in, creating a serene atmosphere that changes with the passage of time and weather.
Following the "outside in" design concept, the outdoor landscape is seamlessly integrated into the indoor space, harmonizing architecture with nature.  

On the top 5th floor, there are various sizes of circular skylights, allowing natural light to stream in, creating a serene atmosphere that changes with the passage of time and weather.

     
The glass curtain walls at both ends of the NLPI's architecture reflect the warmth of urban reading at night.   "The
The glass curtain walls at both ends of the NLPI's architecture reflect the warmth of urban reading at night.   The 'outside in' design concept introduces outdoor natural landscape elements into the floor color design, facilitating public recognition of the floor they are on.
     
The first AI librarian   First floor Children's Learning Center is spacious and bright, creating a lively and colorful world for children.
The first AI librarian "Xiao Shu" in the country provides reader service consultations and book recommendations in the lobby of NLPI.   First floor Children's Learning Center is spacious and bright, creating a lively and colorful world for children.
     
First floor Plant-Infused Reading Area, where readers can indulge in reading amidst lush greenery and beautiful scenery.   The third-floor periodical area features an ingeniously designed honeycomb-like periodical rack, housing various domestic and international periodicals.
First floor Plant-Infused Reading Area, where readers can indulge in reading amidst lush greenery and beautiful scenery.   The third-floor periodical area features an ingeniously designed honeycomb-like periodical rack, housing various domestic and international periodicals.
     
The third-floor Belgium Information Center combines elements from Belgium and the European Union, filled with playfulness and design sensibility.   The fifth floor Skyward Reading Nook, dedicated to books donated by private enterprises.
The third-floor Belgium Information Center combines elements from Belgium and the European Union, filled with playfulness and design sensibility.   The fifth floor Skyward Reading Nook, dedicated to books donated by private enterprises.
     
 
 
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