• 2025-01-17

On December 7-8, 2024, the Taiwan Reading Festival hosted by the National Central Library brought together 11 embassies and institutions in Taiwan to present a vibrant literary event under the theme "The World Symphony of Reading Enjoyment," celebrating Taiwan's unique reading culture. Visitors had the opportunity to transcend cultural boundaries, exploring picture books and literary works from around the globe. Participating entities included the embassies of Belize, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia, along with the French Office in Taipei, the Czech Economic and Cultural Office, the Goethe-Institut Taipei German Cultural Center, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, the Mexican Trade Services, Documentation, and Cultural Office, the Polish Office in Taipei, the Saudi Arabian Trade Office, the Taiwan European Union Centre, and the International Picture Book Center of Kaohsiung Public Library.

NCL Director-General Han-ching Wang emphasized NCL's commitment to promoting cultural exchange in reading between Taiwan and the international community. Through collaborations with numerous embassies and foreign offices in Taiwan, NCL has established the "The World Symphony of Reading Enjoyment" exhibition area as a key feature of the annual Taiwan Reading Festival. This area showcases the diverse charm of global reading cultures, providing Taiwanese readers with access to a rich array of picture books and literary works from around the world. This annual exchange not only gathers international friends to experience Taiwan's achievements in reading culture but also serves as a platform for mutual discovery—letting the world see Taiwan while encouraging exploration of the world from Taiwan.

The exhibition invites visitors to delve into the unique reading traditions of different countries, offering readers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the creative brilliance of global literature. It creates a vibrant atmosphere of shared reading, where cultures converge for an endless journey of discovery through the world of books.

The event featured a vibrant array of highlights, showcasing the cultural quintessence of various nations. The Embassy of Belize presented the country’s tropical landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural heritage. The Embassy of Saint Kitts and Nevis guided attendees on an immersive journey to explore the traditions and culture of this enchanting nation. Meanwhile, the Embassy of Saint Lucia spotlighted the literary works of local authors, using interactive activities to immerse participants in the captivating charm of the Caribbean islands.

The French Office in Taipei hosted a bilingual French-Chinese reading session, inviting attendees to explore the enchanting world of French children's literature. The Czech Economic and Cultural Office presented a magical experience with the theme "Czech Christmas Wonderland," where participants enjoyed traditional Christmas carols, decorated Czech Christmas cookies, and immersed themselves in festive literary scenes. The EU Centre showcased the latest publications on European issues while highlighting the European Union's history and culture. Additionally, the Goethe-Institut Taipei German Cultural Center commemorated the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka's passing by exhibiting his classic works.

The Mexican Trade Services, Documentation, and Cultural Office showcased handmade crafts related to the Day of the Dead. The Polish Office in Taipei introduced contemporary Polish literary works. The Saudi Arabian Trade Office invited a professional Arabic storyteller to share Saudi children's books and taught participants Arabic greetings and classic songs, allowing them to experience the unique charm of Arabic culture firsthand.

The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association offered an interactive experience with picture books and traditional toys, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of Japanese cultural traditions. The International Picture Book Center of Kaohsiung Public Library presented the "Picture Book Talent Development Program," which is dedicated to promoting Taiwanese picture books on the global stage, helping more people discover the unique culture of Taiwanese picture books. Overall, the event not only fostered cultural and literary exchanges between countries but also provided an opportunity for participants to explore, learn, and create connections between Taiwan and the world.

"The World Symphony of Reading Enjoyment" exhibition area featured a variety of engaging interactive activities, allowing both children and adults to explore the cultures of different countries. In addition to a wealth of reading materials, the area also included a coloring zone, where visitors could enjoy a therapeutic time of coloring and shared reading with their families.