• 2014-03-07

Beginning in 2011, National Central Library reports annually on “Taiwanese Reading Tastes.” This year (2014), another survey was conducted, the results of which were announced at a press conference held by the Ministry of Education on March 7. The press conference began with four performances by Xinsheng Elementary School’s choir and the kindergarten classes, wherein they praised the joys of reading and the achievements of the recommended reading list. First the choir sang a vibrant and flowing melody, followed by an adorable performance by the kindergarteners. It was a wonderful start to the press conference, with the 250 guests and media showing their approval.

NCL’s Director-general Tseng then explained and shared her analysis of the survey, which showed the steady increase in reading abilities in Taiwan. Regardless of whether one looks at the number of patrons that come to the library, the number of people borrowing books, the number of books borrowed, the number of internet searches, or even the number of library cards applications, all have greatly increased over statistics from 2012 (the number of patrons was 82.13 million, up 9.4 million or 13%; the number of people borrowing books was 16.63 million, an increase of 610,000 or 4%; the number of books borrowed was 62.09 million, up 470,000 or 0.8%; internet searches numbered 74.72 million, a jump of 9.71 million or 15%; and new library card applications totaled 11.42 million, an increase of 630,000 or 6%). This shows the impressive results of reading promotion done the Ministry of Education and public libraries. Director-general Tseng pointed out, reading trends in Taiwan indicate a continued interest in popular literature and that the most popular books for children were mostly translated works. The Ministry of Education and National Central Library invited scholars and experts to select recommended readings in four categories: Books for Youth (8,298 titles), Knowledge-based Books (8,965 titles). Cultural and Creativity Books (8,761 titles), and Multicultural Books (5,449 titles). These booklists will be sent to public libraries in Taiwan for reference in making procurement decisions, and thus guide the public in reading more good books. In addition, as a way to establish a broader public interest in reading, as well as to deepen people’s knowledge base, National Central Library has increased the cooperative projects with publishers, cultural and educational institutions, and libraries. Director-general Tseng also suggested that county and city governments review the annual survey results, so as to keep abreast of public reading interests, and thus be able to allocate sufficient resources to each library and establish tangible educational and cultural policies.

Chief Secretary Wang Zuotai, from the Ministry of Education represented Minister Chiang in thanking Taiwan librarians for their service. He also praised the model patrons for borrowing good books to read, stating that it not only is helpful for personal growth, but also sets an example for the rest of the country. Chief Secretary Wang read the book Du Fu Dreamt of Li Bai during the Chinese New Year holiday. He shared several insights from the book. He used a line of poetry from Du Fu to commend those who love reading. He also presented the four main area resource centers in Hualien, Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung copies of the four large booklists on behalf of the Ministry of Education, highlighting the fact that public library holdings will become even better in the future. Lastly, Chief Secretary Wang presented the awards to individuals recommended by the county and city governments for their model behavior in reading and borrowing books. Youngster Wang Weicong from New Taipei and Mr. Su Zhengming from Taichung (who borrowed the most books: 4,358 volumes) represented all awarded model patrons by sharing their thoughts on reading. They also expressed their gratitude that the government provides so many amazing and comfortable libraries for the public, making an abundance of books available to all.