World Book Day (April 23) was originally designated to commemorate the deaths of literary giants William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes. Over time, it has evolved into a global celebration of reading, publishing, and copyright awareness.

Reading has always been closely connected to the pulse of contemporary society. In 2025, the National Library of Public Information (NLPI) launched a series of events under the theme “Read venture: Orienteering the Library,” inviting the public to join in a unique and immersive reading experience.

Reading Meets Orienteering: A Library’s Indoor Adventure 

At first glance, the title 'Readventure: Orienteering the Library' might leave you wondering what the event is about. But for those familiar with outdoor sports, the word 'orienteering' offers a vital clue!

Originating in Sweden, orienteering is a sport that relies on maps, compasses, and navigational skills to travel from one point to another, often in outdoor settings like parks or forests. The NLPI, however, broke tradition by moving the event indoors, transforming the library into the terrain for an orienteering challenge.

“It all started by chance,” said Tsai Tsai Ching, a library outreach specialist who helped plan the activity. She explained that NLPI had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Shei Pa National Park, and in 2024, they collaborated on an event where participants used maps to navigate a canvas printed with symbols. Volunteers guided them to practice map-reading by walking from one checkpoint to the next first encounter with orienteering for many, including Tsai Tsai Ching.

Unlike typical puzzle games, orienteering requires interpreting maps, strategizing optimal routes, and recognizing symbols—some maps even remove landmarks and names to increase difficulty. This sparked the idea: What if the library were treated like a mountain to explore through orienteering?

Navigating the Book Mountain: Embarking on a Library Quest 

If the library is a mountain, then books are its forest—hiding clues for explorers to discover. In 'Readventure,' the primary challenge is to find specific picture books based on story clues.

Specially designed maps—filled with symbols and checkpoints—were created to help participants navigate. “Even the librarians might have trouble recognizing library zones on this map!” Tsai Tsai Ching laughed. Unlike standard library maps with restroom signs and area names, these looked more like treasure maps.

NLPI houses diverse picture book collections: the first-floor hosts children’s books, while the third-floor features global titles, senior-friendly books, and a dream-themed digital collection. Challenges were designed across various sections. Players had to interpret the map, determine their position, and find corresponding checkpoints to unlock clues. Other targets included special collections and library facilities like the outdoor book drop, public art, and AI librarian—encouraging deeper understanding of the library’s services.

Unlike outdoor orienteering, libraries are quiet zones, no running or loud talking are allowed. Some areas, like silent reading rooms, were marked as ‘forbidden zones’ and would deduct points if entered. While library navigation might seem easier than navigating a forest, completing challenges within a time limit through gestures and walking still presented a fun challenge.

Fun for All Ages: A Multilevel Adventure 

To ensure all ages could join the fun, NLPI designed three difficulty levels: beginner, experience, and challenge modes. The beginner mode used a floor mat map (known as 9-grid orienteering) for families and seniors to learn the basics. The experience mode targeted returning players and adventurous participants, while the challenge mode was open for individuals or families to register.

In addition to the orienteering event, the library organized picture book talks and workshops. On April 5, a Children's Day special featured author Chen You Ling sharing her 2025 release *Once Upon a Time, the Emperor Had a Theme Park*, followed by a hands-on workshop.

On April 12, a session designed for seniors included a humorous and therapeutic picture book lecture by Lu Yi Fang, columnist of Encore Life, titled “Picture Book Party Time: A Heartwarming Read.” On April 20, author Wang Shu Fen hosted a creative workshop The Wonders of Picture Books, combining color, shapes, and imagination into hand-crafted picture books.

On April 26, picture book promoter Chu Ching Jung presented “The Best of French Picture Books: From Public to Personal Collections”, guiding readers through the charm of French illustration.

From April 1 to 30, participants who borrowed five picture books from the first-floor service desk received a special orienteering map. Those who completed the challenge could redeem a small gift, and completing a survey offered chances to win raffle prizes like airfare vouchers.

Connecting Through Picture Books: Closing the Distance

The main celebration for the 2025 World Book Day ‘Readventure’ was held on April 19. The day kicked off with an interactive story performance by the Gift Box Theater Group, drawing children closer to reading through engaging storytelling. In the afternoon, a professional orienteering competition was co-hosted with the Taichung Orienteering Promotion Association, open to families and seasoned explorers alike.

The event also featured a special talk by renowned picture book author Liu Hsu Kung, titled “Let Me Tell You a Story”. The ‘Picture Book Village Carnival’ ran concurrently, with booths by publishers, bookstores, a bicycle museum, and Shei Pa National Park, offering rich and diverse book-themed experiences.

Picture books, long considered only for children, offer meaning and insight to all readers regardless of age. In April 2025, make time for the pages of a picture book—and enjoy an off-road adventure within the world of stories.