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No.180

Youth in Reading!

 

青春讀起來！

Life Enriched by Reading - The library: Cradle of Human Civilization

Written、photos provided by／Tseng Chih Lang

 

In 1901, off the coast of Antikythera, Greece, a group of sponge divers accidentally came across a shipwreck strewn with naked corpses on the seafloor. Alarmed, they reported the discovery to the authorities—only to realize it was in fact a vessel laden with marble statues and exquisite artifacts. This accidental find triggered a large-scale underwater excavation and archaeological operation. The recovered antiquities were transferred to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. Over 120 years later, scientists finally began to unravel the mystery, concluding that the wreck might have been an official ship that disappeared while conducting astronomical observations at sea sometime before the Common Era.

 

But how do we know the purpose of a ship that sank more than 2,000 years ago? Among the recovered relics was an unassuming 30-centimeter wooden box, encrusted with marine sediment. At first glance it appeared ordinary, but as the sand slowly eroded under the effects of sunlight, sea breeze, and air exposure, a complex mechanism was revealed—comprising bronze plates, gears, axles of varying lengths, and pointers.

 

Bronze was an extremely valuable metal 2,000 years ago, suggesting that this device was of significant importance. But what exactly was it? What was its function? Scientists dared not disassemble it carelessly. The challenge grew as the object began to disintegrate, breaking into 82 fragments of varying sizes. Only about one-third of the original components survived, including 30 corroded bronze gears.

 

Reconstructing a meaningful whole from the fragmented pieces was made possible thanks to over a century of interdisciplinary research and remarkable advances in scientific technology. It began with a German philologist who noticed the numbers inscribed on the fragments and speculated that the device could be a kind of calculating tool. Then, a British physicist and historian of science compared historical records and collaborated with Greek radiologists to examine internal images using X-ray scans. Their findings suggested that the device may have originated from the designs of Archimedes, and that its intricate gearwork was intended to predict the positions of celestial bodies. Mechanical engineers from the Science Museum in London and computer scientists from Australia later applied linear tomography to determine the precise number of teeth on key gears.

 

Eventually, a filmmaker with a mathematics background at University College London teamed up with materials scientists, archaeometallurgies, and horologists. Using advanced digital imaging techniques, they discovered inscriptions on the front and back plates of the device, which described planetary cycles and how to operate the instrument. These inscriptions revealed that the mechanism could not only track the movements of the Sun, the Moon, and the five known planets, but also predict solar and lunar eclipses. After twenty years of painstaking reconstruction, this team proposed a gear mechanism model that incorporated all planetary cycles—finally revealing a working prototype of what is now known as the Antikythera Mechanism.

 

This astronomical computing device, built over 2,200 years ago, is hailed as the world’s first analog computer. Its remarkable precision and complexity have left experts in awe. When the landmark research paper was published in a leading academic journal in March 2021, researchers emotionally remarked, “This mechanical device is more valuable than the Mona Lisa.” But who were the inventors, designers, and builders behind this ingenious creation? To trace their identities, one must look back to three great scholars who conducted research at the Library of Alexandria in Egypt: Archimedes, a scientist and mathematician; Euclid, the father of projective geometry; and Hipparchus, the founding figure of astronomical physics.

 

Established some 2,300 years ago on the shores of the Mediterranean, the Library of Alexandria was the cradle of human knowledge and civilization. Many accomplished scholars resided there for extended periods, devoting themselves to the study of astronomy, geography, and hydrology. They developed objective methods of analysis and verifiable reasoning, recorded their findings in systematically written form on papyrus, and classified and stored them within the library’s vast collections. These documents allowed future scholars to compare and build upon past research—deepening understanding, generating new knowledge, and even inspiring practitioners (what we today call engineers) to transform theory into practical inventions and intricate mechanisms that addressed real-world challenges. Through such efforts, life was made more convenient, and the human experience more enriched.

 

The Antikythera Mechanism was the product of this very tradition. Archimedes advanced the fields of metallurgy and buoyancy, bridging theory and practice in mechanical design. Euclid’s axiomatic method laid the foundation for deductive reasoning in mathematics, and his work in projective geometry anticipated the principles behind modern GPS navigation. Hipparchus compiled solar and lunar motion tables spanning centuries, predicted eclipses, created the first star catalog listing the positions and brightness of 850 stars, introduced the use of latitude and longitude to map geographic locations, and employed projection techniques to draw star maps of the Greek sky.

 

Gazing upon the Antikythera Mechanism’s intricate gears—each corresponding to the Sun, Moon, Venus, Saturn, and more—one can imagine the interplay of celestial bodies, their forward and retrograde movements, all precisely indicated by a device built more than 2,000 years ago. And now, over two millennia later, modern readers are able to reconstruct the scientific knowledge that powered this invention, thanks to the written records left by ancient scholars—and the indispensable role played by repositories of knowledge like the Library of Alexandria, which served as a platform for the storage, circulation, and creation of human wisdom.

 

From this ancient instrument for tracking the heavens, to humanity’s moon landing in 1969, to the unveiling of the first-ever image of a black hole in 2019—located 55 million light-years away—technological advancement has accelerated at breathtaking speed. Meanwhile, the way we accumulate and transmit knowledge has also undergone a profound transformation. In today’s knowledge-driven economy, reading literacy has become one of the most essential core competencies—not only for mastering existing knowledge, exploring new frontiers, and translating theory into practice, but also for navigating the internet, exploring the digital realm, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

And yet, throughout all this progress, the repository of books—our modern libraries—remains the cornerstone of knowledge exchange and the stronghold of intellectual creativity. Like bedrock, they endure through the ages.

 

(The author is an Academician of Academia Sinica.)

 

Reading is Young: Building a Creative Learning Lab for Teens

Written by／Jhang Ming Rong

Photographer／Zhuang Zhen Feng

Photos provided by the NLPI

 

Youth is a grand adventure and the most captivating chapter in everyone’s life. As times change rapidly, the ways in which teenagers understand and experience the world are constantly evolving. The National Library of Public Information embraces this transformation by creating innovative spaces and activity designs that combine reading with hands-on practice. Through these engaging experiences, young people are guided to discover the joy of learning and to chart their own blueprint for the future.

 

國資圖「好Young館」提供多元活動使用，打造青少年喜愛的學習空間。

 

Energetic and full of potential, teenagers are in a golden stage of exploring their interests and building self-identity. They are curious about the world yet uncertain about the future, and the people, experiences, and things they encounter during this period can have a profound and lasting impact on their lives. Providing abundant resources to support their growth and guiding them toward positive development is a key mission of public libraries — and also the most dynamic field for creative outreach and participatory reading initiatives.

 

To fulfill this mission, the National Library of Public Information (NLPI) has established a dedicated youth service area on the fifth floor. This space offers a collection of over 40,000 books and periodicals in Chinese and Western languages, along with comics, more than 40 types of board games, a variety of puzzles, and MAKER kits and programming robots that help young creators develop their skills. It also features the “Young Hub”, a versatile venue where teens can join workshops, play board games, or even dance and exercise, as well as “Idea Room”, a cozy discussion space. Together, these facilities meet the diverse needs of young users in one integrated environment.

 

In addition, NLPI regularly collaborates with schools and cultural organizations to organize thematic book exhibitions, reading lectures, workshops, interactive games, and board-game experiences. These events span a wide range of topics — from gender equality and bilingual education to information security, environmental education, and ecological conservation — creating a vibrant public space where young people can read, learn, and interact in a safe, engaging, and intellectually stimulating environment.

 

青少年閱覽區提供4萬冊以上的中西文館藏、期刊與漫畫，滿足年輕讀者閱讀需求。

 

Play with Reading - A Growth Hub for Teens

 

We hope that when young people walk into the NLPI, it feels like stepping into a vast and open world. In the eyes of Director Ma Xiang Ping, the library is not only a close companion in their growth but also one of the best sources of support and resources. “Teenagers need space during their formative years — a place where they can read, explore exhibitions, join activities, or simply relax,” Ma Xiang Ping says. “In an open and diverse environment like NLPI, they can engage in self-discovery and gain deep, meaningful learning experiences.”

 

To attract teenagers to the library, the first step is to create an environment they enjoy. NLPI makes the most of its expansive window views by placing the reading areas along the windows, so that students studying there can look up from their books and take in the lush greenery outside. This thoughtful design helps ease academic pressure and nurtures a love for reading in a calm, inviting atmosphere.

 

To further meet the needs of young readers, the library carefully curate’s new books and themed exhibitions. In addition to selecting supplementary reading materials aligned with school curricula — such as historical comics, science books, and works on humanities and social issues — NLPI also refers to circulation rankings to choose popular titles in genres like fantasy, adventure, mystery, and romance. This approach brings the library closer to young readers by catering to their interests and preferences.

 

馬湘萍希望青少年能在國資圖享受多元空間，透過自我探索獲得深刻的學習與體驗。

 

Librarian Chen Guang Zong from the Readers’ Services Division notes that, to better align with the thinking of younger audiences, NLPI launched a new initiative in 2024 called the “Youth Information & Wish Wall.” This space offers information on academic pathways and career planning while inviting teens to share their thoughts on sticky notes. Some write down their dream schools, others reflect on their study journeys, and some even leave letters to their future selves. This semi-open space provides a safe environment for teenagers to express their ideas — and has received an enthusiastic response from its users.

 

In 2025, the “Wish Wall” drew inspiration from practices in Japanese public libraries and introduced a “Message Box” where teenagers can share their thoughts and feelings. Librarians, volunteers, or interns then reply with words of encouragement or blessings, often accompanied by book recommendations. This thoughtful interaction lets confused or uncertain teens know that someone is listening to them — and that reading can offer comfort and foster growth. By transforming a one-way outlet for emotions into a two-way dialogue, the Message Box adds a warm and human touch to the NLPI experience.

 

「青少年情報交流許願站」提供升學、職涯相關資訊， 也開放同學在牆上留下心得便利貼。

 

Book Garden Project - A Sustainable Living Playground

 

At the beginning of 2025, NLPI launched a new initiative titled “Book Garden: A Sustainable Living Lab in the Library.” The project invites horticulture and agronomy instructors to guide teenagers in exploring the world of soil, building wooden planter boxes, and creating hot compost. By transforming unused outdoor areas of the library into an “edible garden” that also serves as a green space, the program allows participants to “learn by doing” and experience the true meaning of sustainability firsthand.

 

Project coordinator Chen Yun Fan explained that the inspiration came from a talk by the CEO of the Arizona Science Center, who shared how the center helps residents learn scientific knowledge, develop diverse skills, and build capacity for environmental sustainability. This sparked Chen Yun Fan’s reflection on how NLPI could evolve from a passive provider of reading resources into an active platform for community empowerment.

 

With the library director’s approval, NLPI partnered with the Wuquan Community University, home to the local “Edible Green Space Club,” to bring in expert instructors and resources. Together, they designed a series of engaging courses centered on the principles of permaculture — a self-sufficient approach to sustainable living — linking reading with hands-on action.

 

The program begins with theoretical lessons on soil and ecology led by professional instructors for high school students. Once they have built foundational knowledge, students move to the garden for hands-on activities, such as woodworking to build biomimicry-inspired elevated planter boxes. “There’s a lot to learn when building a planter box,” Chen Yun Fan said. “You need to consider the wood grain when applying protective oil, understand how to operate power tools — it involves chemistry, physics, and mechanics. The students found it incredibly fun!”

 

專業講師帶領青少年做木工，釘製「仿生高架菜箱」。

 

One of the most popular highlights of the program is the hot composting workshop. Hot compost is made from fallen leaves, kitchen scraps, microorganisms, and insects, and its internal temperature must reach at least 55°C to heat up and decompose effectively, thereby eliminating pests and bacteria. Students are encouraged to observe with their eyes, smell with their noses, and even touch the compost with their hands to check if the process is successful. Through this five-sense learning approach, knowledge becomes deeply ingrained.

 

In another activity, the instructor brings dozens of wild edible plants for students to identify with, leaving many of them puzzled. “To them, every plant looks like basil or sweet potato leaves. They only recognize what’s on their plates but have no idea what vegetables look like in nature,” Chen Yun Fan said with a laugh. Under the teacher’s guidance, students touch, smell, and taste the plants one by one, gradually becoming familiar with their appearance, scent, and flavor. Some students remarked that sustainability can indeed be learned from food — that the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not distant concepts, but ideas that can be practiced in daily life.

 

Through these immersive, hands-on workshops, the Book Garden program successfully sparks teenagers’ curiosity, prompting them to reflect on the relationship between humans and the land. It helps them absorb and integrate interdisciplinary knowledge, engage in self-directed learning, and deepen their reading comprehension. At the same time, they develop teamwork and problem-solving skills, gaining a strong sense of accomplishment. The project has become another successful example of NLPI’s efforts in youth literacy education.

 

「書香小花園」邀請園藝、農藝老師帶領青少年認識土壤，親手製作木製菜箱與熱堆肥，從做中學，親身體驗「永續」意涵。

 

「書香小花園」邀請園藝、農藝老師帶領青少年認識土壤，親手製作木製菜箱與熱堆肥，從做中學，親身體驗「永續」意涵。

 

Reading Guides the Way - Inspiring Teens to Explore and Envision the Future

 

Among the many programs at the NLPI that are especially popular with teenagers is the “Reading Ambassador” Summer Camp, held for two consecutive years. This three-day, two-night camp invites professional instructors to guide high school students in developing reading strategies, information literacy, public speaking skills, and applications of AI technology. At the end of the program, participants work in teams to curate thematic book exhibitions, which are then displayed on the 4th and 5th floors of the library. Through this immersive blend of learning and hands-on practice, students gain not only valuable knowledge but also a strong sense of achievement.

 

Another highlight of the summer is the “Technical and Vocational Education Carnival,” which in 2025 will feature a series of hands-on workshops presented by technology universities and vocational schools in central Taiwan. For example, Taichung Home Economics and Commercial High School’s workshop, “My Business Routine,” lets teens experience life as a store manager for a day, while Taichung Industrial High School’s “Copper Connections” gives students the chance to work with copper piping and learn about the daily operations of the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry. These workshops help participants understand the diversity and real-world applications of the technical and vocational education system.

 

The “Technical Fields Salon / Professional Sharing Sessions” bring in young professionals from various technical fields to share their journeys — including the challenges and rewards — with teen audiences. Through these real-life stories, participants gain valuable insights and inspiration for future career choices. To align with the timing of school program selections, the salon and share sessions are held earlier in the year, giving students more opportunities to reflect on their interests and aspirations before submitting their choices.

 

「技職嘉年華」由中部地區科技大學、職業學校帶來多項體驗課程，讓青少年對未來職涯有更多認識與想像。

 

「技職嘉年華」由中部地區科技大學、職業學校帶來多項體驗課程，讓青少年對未來職涯有更多認識與想像。

 

In April 2025, NLPI launched a special exhibition titled “Heroes of Skill: The Rift Challenge,” an immersive career exploration experience that uses VR, AR, and AI image generation technologies. The exhibition introduces teenagers to the 16 technical and vocational subject groups, helping them explore their personal interests and acquire practical skills. Participants can even leave their names on the “Hero Board” after completing challenges — a feature that has proven especially popular. Alongside each challenge, recommended books and classification numbers related to the subject are provided, encouraging interested students to dive deeper into the topic through reading.

 

“As a public library, we must stand with young people — to understand how they think and how they read,” says Ma Xiang Ping. “Only by being willing to understand them can we grow together.” She believes that learning-through-play activities not only make learning enjoyable but also inspire more teenagers to visit the library and discover reading styles they truly love.

 

Through a diverse range of books, exhibitions, and programs, NLPI is actively building closer connections with teenagers, fostering meaningful interaction and resonance. As teens share their library experiences on social media, this influence spreads even further, inspiring more of their peers to discover the library’s rich and varied resources — and embark together on an unprecedented journey of creative learning.

 

When Teenagers Meet the New Era of Diverse Reading

Written by／Zou Ming Yi

Photos provided by the Song Yi Huei、Book Promoter L、Li Pei Rong

 

As one of the most important user groups of libraries, teenagers are currently in a transitional stage where physical and digital reading coexist and reading habits are shifting. Growing up surrounded by digital devices, they are accustomed to receiving information in ways that are short, fast, and diverse. From comics and short videos to full-length novels, Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) is redefining traditional notions of reading.

 

宋怡慧（前左）認為師長角色是陪伴青少年探索的閱讀教練。

 

In the past, discussions about promoting reading among teenagers often started with the question of “what they should read,” with the expectation that students would engage with classic literature or follow teacher-recommended reading lists. However, as digital technology becomes deeply integrated into daily life, Generation Z’s reading habits have undergone a fundamental transformation. Growing up in an era of information overload, they place greater emphasis on autonomous choice and seek practicality and emotional resonance in their reading experiences.

 

As Teenagers Enter a Confusing Adolescence, Teachers Become Reading Coaches

 

Song Yi Huei, director of the library at Dan-Feng High School in New Taipei City, observes that while students now spend more time on video platforms, they have not abandoned reading — their tastes have simply changed. “They tend to prefer texts that are shorter in length, feature vivid characters, and have fast-paced plots, such as comics, fantasy novels, or works adapted into films and TV shows,” she explains. Understanding these generational differences, rather than insisting on traditional classics, can help educators find more effective approaches to reading promotion.

 

Beyond entertainment, practicality is another key factor influencing Generation Z’s reading choices. Topics such as emotional regulation, financial planning, and interpersonal relationships during adolescence often become immediate motivations for them to seek out books. This shift calls for a transformation in the role of educators — from authoritative figures who deliver knowledge unilaterally to “reading coaches” who accompany students in exploration, helping them find texts that resonate with their personal experiences.

 

Song Yi Huei often uses story characters as entry points to guide students in connecting with texts. For example, she uses Journey to the West and asks students to choose the character that best reflects their personality, sparking their curiosity about the classic. “Characters are like mirrors. When students see themselves in Sun Wukong or Sha Wujing, they naturally want to learn more about the story,” she says. She recalls a student complaining that the morning reading assignment was dull, so she recommended the popular manga Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. The students became so absorbed in reading that they didn’t even notice the bell signaling the end of class.

 

「丹高創客實驗室」邀請多元領域講者分享，激發學生閱讀力與創作力。

 

For Song Yi Huei, the essence of reading promotion is not about dictating what students must read but about helping them find emotional resonance in books. From comics to classics, from practical knowledge to philosophical reflection, all kinds of books can serve as mirrors and companions for teenagers’ inner worlds. School libraries, too, are evolving — no longer just warehouses of knowledge, they are becoming shared learning spaces for youth, fostering an atmosphere of exploration, dialogue, and connection with books. “When students feel understood and respected in the library,” Song Yi Huei says with a smile, “reading naturally becomes part of their lives, accompanying them as they grow.”

  

Creating Context in a Fast-Paced World: Bringing Literature Back into Focus

 

Living in an era accustomed to fast-forwarding and short attention spans, Li Pei Rong, a Chinese literature teacher at JingMei Girls’ High School in Taipei, admits that teaching has become increasingly challenging. When she first offered a course on “Crosstalk Art and Communication Strategies” years ago, students were able to appreciate lengthy setups and delayed punchlines. But in recent years, she has noticed that students struggle with such pacing — their thinking has already been shaped by a world that moves quickly. Li understands that today’s students don’t just want to know what they are doing; they also need to understand why they are doing it.

 

This “need for a reason” has prompted Chinese literature classes to shift toward context-based teaching. Purely rational persuasion risks turning literature into a mere tool, but when a teacher builds an immersive atmosphere, students naturally open their hearts. For example, Li invites students to imagine Liu Zongyuan’s state of mind as he climbed Mount Xishan, or she shares her own experiences of loneliness and struggle growing up — encouraging students to connect literature with their own emotions. “When students feel that emotional resonance,” she says, “literature truly becomes part of their lives.”

 

Li Pei Rong has also revived the tradition of reading aloud in her classroom. She leads students in reading texts out loud, guiding them in phrasing, emphasis, and rhythm — letting voice become the starting point of the lesson. In an age of overwhelming information, she believes that only by creating a sense of immersion can students pause, slow down, and re-enter the literary atmosphere. In addition, she uses digital tools like Notion to facilitate collaborative reading and small-scale exhibitions, even extending these activities to parent reading clubs, creating opportunities for intergenerational dialogue. “Reading isn’t just about academics,” she says. “It’s also a way for people to connect with one another.”

 

李佩蓉（前右3）認為閱讀不只是課業，更是連結彼此的方式。

 

For Li Pei Rong, the true value of literature classes does not lie in providing standard answers, but in creating a space where the soul can find rest. In a fast-paced world, she chooses to respond by creating immersive contexts that bring literature back into students’ lives, turning reading into a precious moment of stillness for teenagers.

 

 A New Era of Social Book Promotion: Creating Reading Gateways Through E-Books and Short Videos

 

Unlike traditional print-based reading promotion, Liz, the KOL behind the online platform “Book Promoter L,” began her reading advocacy journey on social media. What started as casual sharing of her reading reflections — originally moved to a dedicated account in early 2022 to avoid spamming friends — unexpectedly grew into a thriving platform. As more readers began following her, Liz realized that she could become “a bridge between people and books.” She laughingly describes herself as an “eclectic reader” with a curiosity for all kinds of books, which allows her to connect with audiences across different genres. In addition to print books, Liz actively promotes e-books, believing that digital reading offers an immediate and convenient experience — particularly appealing to younger generations. “E-books are an extension of books,” she says. “No matter where you are, they open the door to reading.”

 

Liz admits that running a reading-focused social media presence is not easy. At one point, she challenged herself to post a book review every day, which helped her improve both her reading speed and writing efficiency. Over time, she developed her own three-part review structure: highlighting three key takeaways from each book in just 200 to 300 words — concise enough for quick browsing, yet rich enough to invite deeper reading. “If even one sentence resonates with a reader and makes them want to open a book, I’ve achieved my goal,” she says.

 

As social media landscapes evolve, Liz adapts her strategies to suit different audiences: long-form reviews go on her blog, short reflections on Threads, and visual posts and bite-sized reading lists on Instagram to engage Generation Z. In 2025, she ventured into short-form video content, with one mystery novel recommendation surpassing 300,000 views — leading the publisher to release an additional print run. Liz notes that short videos can reach people who don’t normally read. “Some only watch movies or binge dramas, but with short videos that are quick, sharp, and engaging, we have a chance to capture their interest and lead them to books,” she explains.

 

Liz認為即時又快速的數位閱讀，對年輕族群更具吸引力。

 

For Liz, the role of a reading influencer isn’t just about summarizing books — it’s about offering emotional value. In an era where AI can generate summaries, she sees herself as a companion, using authenticity and passion to spark resonance. “I don’t expect everyone to fall in love with reading,” she says. “But if even one person visits a bookstore again or picks up one more book because of my sharing, then it’s all worth it.” In a time of fragmented reading habits, Liz uses cross-media creativity to give reading a new way to step back into people’s lives.

  

Let Reading Become a Companion on the Journey of Youth

 

Reading is no longer a one-way transmission of knowledge — it has transformed into a role of companionship, guidance, and immersive experience, one that must closely follow the rhythms of teenagers’ lives and respond to their inner needs. Whether it is teachers becoming “reading coaches” who spark resonance through story characters, or the use of digital tools and social media platforms to extend the reach of reading, these approaches reveal a new landscape of reading promotion. When libraries, schools, and online communities work together to create diverse and open gateways, reading naturally becomes part of Generation Z’s growth journey, emerging as an indispensable source of strength and inspiration throughout their youth.

 
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