Learning Local Knowledge through the Library

Written by／Zhang Ming Rong

Photographer／Zhuang Zhen Feng

The annual "Taiwan Reading Festival" is a highly anticipated cultural event for book lovers across the nation. The National Library of Public Information introduces the "Boundless Reading: Night at NLPI" initiative, breaking the traditional constraints of time and space in reading. Through creative programs such as outdoor libraries and overnight stays in the library, the event creates diverse, interactive, and immersive experiences, allowing the public to fully enjoy the pleasures of reading in an open, culturally rich environment.

In an era of rapid advancements in smart technology, the exploration of reading is entering a new realm—reading is no longer a solitary and static leisure activity but a dynamic and diverse journey of interactive experiences that bring people closer together. During the 2024 Taiwan Reading Festival, National Library of Public Information (NLPI) presents the theme event "Boundless Reading: Night at NLPI," breaking the barriers of time and space. Spanning indoor and outdoor spaces, from day to night, the event combines reading with music, movies, anime, lectures, and exhibitions, inviting the public to explore the infinite possibilities of reading through a multitude of experiences.

Immersing in Nature with the Aroma of Books: Exploring the Outdoor Library

NLPI boasts a spacious outdoor grassy plaza, perfectly suited for creating an open reading space. For the first time during the Taiwan Reading Festival, the "Outdoor Library" was introduced, allowing participants to enjoy the joy of reading outside the library. Inspired by a concept from Seoul, South Korea, the Outdoor Library aimed to create a space where nature and culture intersect, and freedom coexists with the fragrance of books. On the day of the event, over 2,000 themed books were carefully displayed on the lawn. The combination of natural surroundings and books enhanced participants’ sense of immersion, creating a relaxing and comfortable environment where readers could sit or lie down, read books, gaze at the sky, listen to music, and bask in the beauty of reading.

To add more artistic and musical flair to outdoor reading, the Tree of Life Band performed an engaging concert in the afternoon, featuring their signature songs like Tree of Life, Let’s Fly Together, and Glimmering Youth. Attendees enjoyed the dual pleasures of music and reading. As evening approached, the plaza transformed into an "Open-Air Cinema," screening the beloved animated film Moana, which tells the adventurous story of a brave ocean princess. Families gathered on the grass, watching intently and sharing an unforgettable bonding experience.

Surrounding the plaza was the "Reading Coin Exchange Market," which promoted reading by sharing digital resources, world picture books, and family learning materials. It also incorporated NLPI’s 2024 "Reading Coin Collection" program, allowing readers to exchange accumulated reading coins earned through borrowing books or participating in activities for complimentary snacks and treats. This turned reading into a multi-sensory delight beyond just intellectual engagement.

Dialoguing with Youth: Cosplay and Self-Discovery

Amid the sunlit outdoor library, a vibrant Cosplay parade took center stage. Iconic characters such as Su Huan-Jen from Pili Puppet Theater, Nezuko from Demon Slayer, and Sakura from Card captor Sakura were vividly brought to life by cosplayers. Their dazzling costumes captivated the audience, and NLPI Director-General Ma Xiang Ping joined the festivities, dressed as the popular Demon Slayer character Shinobu Kocho, delighting young attendees.

Cosplay involves bringing two-dimensional fictional characters to life in the three-dimensional real world through creative costumes and makeup. NLPI emphasized that teenagers use Cosplay to express their connection with characters and convey aspirations like "This is who I want to be!" This offers emotional value beyond material wealth and allows participants to develop various skills through composite artistic creation, including costume and makeup design. By bringing classic literary characters to life, the event aimed to showcase the richness of anime literature while inspiring creativity and imagination in participants.

Night at NLPI: Exploring Seven Wonders

The grand finale, "Overnight and Night Exploration at the Library," invited 200 lucky readers to embark on an immersive nighttime reading adventure after the library’s closing hours. After six years, NLPI resumed its overnight stay event, with an enriched program featuring seven themed stations offering a diverse and captivating reading experience for participants of all ages.

The "Midnight Book Hall" provided access to the rarely opened B1 closed stacks, housing rare books, government publications, theses, and historical documents from the late Qing Dynasty, Japanese colonial period, and beyond. Participants were fascinated by the library’s collection and preservation techniques. The "Midnight Phonograph" played classical music on vintage vinyl records, blending the soothing sound of books with music.

"Campfire Storytime" projected small props and shadow performances onto the ceiling, engaging families with animated storytelling. "Never-Closed Reading Corner" showcased children’s books and picture books from around the world, inviting children to journey through stories across cultures. The "Zoetrope Mini Film Theater" screened curated short films, creating a cozy family cinema experience.

For dynamic activities, the "Night Gym" at the Youth Pavilion offered exercise sessions led by professional trainers, helping participants unwind before bed. Readers who collected five station stamps could enjoy a delightful supper at the "Midnight Canteen," satisfying both the soul and taste buds.

Dreaming Amid a Sea of Books: Praises from All Ages

To provide a holistic immersive reading experience, NLPI opened the 1st-floor Children’s Learning Center and the 4th and 5th-floor reading areas for overnight participants to set up sleeping bags or tents. Many young readers were thrilled by the unique opportunity to sleep surrounded by books.

Mr. Hong and Ms. Chen, regular weekend visitors to NLPI, brought their fifth- and second-grade children to experience the event. Their daughter was particularly impressed by "Campfire Storytime." "The ceiling projections were so fun, and the story of the Three Little Pigs was amazing!" she said excitedly.

Mr. Pan and Ms. Tang brought their second- and fourth-grade sons, with Ms. Tang calling it a dream come true. "We participated in the 2018 overnight stay with our older son, but our younger son was too young then. He has always asked when he could come, and now his wish has finally come true," she shared. Ms. Tang especially enjoyed the nostalgic charm of the "Midnight Phonograph," while their younger son enthusiastically praised the interactive games and the chance to stay up late during the event.

Boundless Reading: Experiencing the Infinite Charm of Books

NLPI seamlessly combined the diverse elements of the Taiwan Reading Festival to create an open and culturally rich reading environment. Through initiatives like the Outdoor Library, overnight stays, anime Cosplay, concerts, and open-air movies, the event successfully brought people closer to the library. Spanning from day to night, "Boundless Reading" allowed readers to navigate through words, music, and imagery, finding inspiration, creativity, and life’s revelations.

NLPI noted that the theme was born from a simple yet heartfelt idea, embodying the limitless possibilities of reading. From the expansive lawn plaza and the warmth of winter sunshine to enchanting melodies and the mysterious allure of the nighttime library, the experience was a cherished shared moment for all participants. It also highlighted the essence of reading, bringing it vividly to life.

Written by／Zhao Xin Ning

Photographer／Zhuang Zhen Feng

From efficient, convenient physical smart services to online digital resource integration and sharing, the National Library of Public Information has innovatively combined virtual and real services to bridge the gap between readers and books. In 2024, it won the “ASOCIO DX Award - EdTech Award,” becoming an international model for smart libraries.

In the children’s book section of the National Central Library (NLPI), a father helps his daughter choose a picture book. Using his phone to input the book title, a cartoon owl on the screen guides them through the bookshelves to locate the storybook. The daughter excitedly picks up the book and begins reading on the floor, while the father remarks with a smile, “It’s so much easier to find books now.”

Elsewhere, a graduate student in Miaoli, preparing to write a thesis, needs to access a sociology journal article unavailable in the local libraries. By logging into the “One Card Integration Platform,” he finds the required material within minutes. This demonstrates how digital advancements bring convenience regardless of location.

Transforming from a physical library into a knowledge hub integrating virtual and real elements, the NLPI not only changes the way people read but also injects new possibilities into modern life by bridging virtual and physical spaces.

The Boundless Allure of Virtual Libraries: How "One Card" Changes Knowledge Flow

“In 2024, readers from libraries in counties outside the six major cities can use the One Card Integration Platform to connect their library cards to our digital collections,” explains Liu Yen-Kai, IT Specialist at NLPI. Although NLPI’s digital collections are extensive, many local libraries have limited resources, making access inconvenient. The development of this platform simplifies the process and enables knowledge sharing without boundaries.

The “One Card Integration” addresses regional resource-sharing issues, while the “Education Cloud eBooks” further enhances the teaching and learning process with intelligence and flexibility. Designed for teachers and students nationwide, this platform consolidates diverse e-book resources, allowing educators to find suitable teaching materials and students to explore subjects ranging from science to literature. Since its launch, it has served over 3,000 schools with a monthly borrowing volume of 15,000 books. NLPI’s data shows a continuous increase in reading demand, particularly in interdisciplinary learning.

Dedicated Book Consultant: Surprises with AI Book Selection

For book lovers, choosing a book can sometimes be a delightful journey but also a challenge. In September 2024, NLPI launched the "AI Book Selection" service, making the process easier and more enjoyable. Using GPT-4 technology, it overcomes the limitations of traditional keyword-based searches.

For instance, a high school student named Kai, who recently developed an interest in fantasy novels, receives a precise and engaging book list tailored to his borrowing history and recent reading preferences. Each recommendation iNLPIudes a brief reason and relevant keywords, enabling quick decisions. The system generates a new list for every 15 books borrowed, acting as a personal consultant to enhance user engagement and make reading an exciting exploration.

Fast and Efficient: Connecting Virtual and Real with Smart Experiences

While readers explore the virtual world, NLPI’s on-site smart services offer additional convenience. The “iLib Guider” app integrates indoor navigation, book searches, contactless borrowing, and returns, allowing most library services to be operated via mobile phones.

According to NLPI IT Analyst Fu Chun-Chi, “30% of book loans are completed using the mobile borrowing function, demonstrating high user reliance on the app.” The “iLib Guider” app acts like a library-specific Google Maps, precisely guiding users to book locations and enabling borrowing with barcode scanning, offering a smooth and efficient process.

Smart Space Management: Redefining Library Interaction

NLPI not only introduced book-finding applications but also offers smart space management through the "iSpace Smart Space Service." This integrates all library spaces, allowing users to reserve facilities, control audiovisual equipment, and manage access through various channels like websites, kiosks, and apps.

The service aligns ESG sustainability principles by managing energy usage efficiently, such as turning lights and air-conditioning on and off precisely as needed. This not only optimizes space usage but also provides readers with a seamless and thoughtful learning environment.

The Future of Reading: From Smart Technology to Boundaryless Sharing

These innovations have made NLPI a domestic model and earned international acclaim. Services like mobile borrowing and smart space management have been replicated by other libraries and shared globally.

The NLPI plans to further upgrade its AI book selection to offer age-specific and thematic book lists and optimize recommendations based on user behavior. It also aims to enhance national library resource integration, enabling quick searches for international journals and expanding the reach of the Education Cloud platform.

Libraries hold value not only in preserving knowledge but also in igniting readers' passion for discovery. By combining technology and humanity, the NLPI strives to create a personalized future for every reader.

Written and Photos provided by the NLPI

The National Library of Public Information introduces sustainable concepts through a Mars exploration journey with the launch of the "Immersive Universe" interactive experience. Officially inaugurated on November 28, 2024, this facility invites both adults and children to embark on a knowledge-rich journey to explore Mars!

To inspire children’s exploration of reading and sustainability concepts, the National Library of Public Information (NLPI) has established a brand-new “Immersive Universe” interactive experience in the original entrance corridor of the Children’s Learning Center on the first floor of its main library. Through a book-based exploration game, children are guided to immerse themselves in a rich reading environment.

Fostering Sustainability Awareness Through Interactive Experiences

The “Immersive Universe,” themed around “Technological Futures,” skillfully integrates technology, reading experiences, sustainability values, and the everyday use of national languages. With an interactive game book featuring young astronauts departing Earth to collect oxygen bubbles on Mars, children embark on an ecological journey that teaches coexistence with sustainability. This engaging activity subtly introduces them to the ideas of reading and sustainability knowledge.

Moreover, the experience offers bilingual modes in Mandarin and Taiwanese Hokkien, allowing children to learn languages in a joyful and relaxed manner, creating a friendly environment for national language learning. After completing the corridor experience, participants follow a rocket into the Children’s Learning Center, where a comfortable reading space and a wealth of library resources await, enabling them to freely explore the vast world of knowledge.

NLPI’s commitment to sustainable development ensures that the “Immersive Universe” is not only an interstellar journey of knowledge exploration but also an opportunity to deepen public understanding of the core values of sustainability. Through gamified challenges and Mars exploration scenarios, children enjoy the pleasures of reading while cultivating sustainability awareness. They learn to practice sustainable resource utilization and balance in a future filled with challenges.