• 2021-03-04

On January 9, 2021, National Central Library and the Mexican Trade Services Documentation and Cultural Office cohosted a new book event called "A New Reading Horizon: A Look at Ancient City in Mayan Culture through The Legends of Chiapas, Mexico". It was held at National Central Library. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult to travel abroad, through this book publication event, the public can explore the ancient indigenous culture of the Mayans and Mexico over the last thousand years.

NCL Director-General Shu-hsien Tseng stated in her remarks that NCL is very willing to work with various institutions as a bridge platform between books and readers. A book publication event is incredibly meaningful in the dissemination of a new book. She thanked Mr. Torres for his sustained support and encouragement of NCL’s events over the years. She hopes that this new book event can awaken people in Taiwan to attach more importance to their own local cultural heritage. The book can also deepen cultural exchange and learning between Taiwan and Mexico. Readers young and old who attend library events can expand their horizons to include a multicultural and international perspective. Lastly, Director-General Tseng read a passage from the book and explained that this passage can be used in teaching events in libraries or in schools.

When the Mexican Trade Services Documentation and Cultural Office Head Mr. Martin Torres Gutierrez Rubio spoke, he expressed his thanks for the many times NCL and his office have collaborated over the years. They have put together many exhibitions and events to help the people of Taiwan better understand Mexican culture. He also introduced local customs from Mexico to help those attending the event have a greater understanding of the country of Mexico.

The NGO Steps in San Cristobal founder Amy Huang introduced the story content of the new book, the cultural background, the conditions in Chiapas, Mexico, and the legends of the indigenous people of Mexico. The Legend of Chiapas, Mexico was thought up, written, and published by her organization. The group actively helps the Mayan people who live in Chiapas to preserve their culture and legends, and to improve their self-identity and pride in their culture. They also aim to provide free educational resources to the many local children who are unable to go to school During the meeting she mentioned that she once gifted some books on local legends to a village. The children there came to greet her in splendid attire. For many of them this was the first book they ever possessed. This new publication can help the Taiwan public more deeply understand the thousand-year culture of the Mayans in Mexico, as well as experience the love and support that these indigenous people have toward nature.