Taiwan's impressive libraries

Photo: Interior of Beitou branch library, Taipei. Wikimedia Commons

The new building will feature a large open-plan lobby, a solar canopy, and will incorporate an archive centre and digital preservation centre.

Taiwan News has taken the opportunity to feature seven other ‘top’ libraries of Taiwan. These include Taiwan’s first public arts library, a collection of the world’s best arts related books, journals and multi-media. There’s also a ‘Dietary Culture’ library of 20,000 titles including ancient books, journals, pamphlets, historic menus, academic theses, and video resources on Chinese culinary arts and traditions.

The National Library itself is included in the list, along with the Beitou branch, featured above, Taiwan’s first ‘green’ library, and the new Taipei City Main Library. Listed as number one is ‘the new Kaohsiung Main Public Library, which opened in 2015, offering a fantastic combination of great modern architecture and state-of-the-art library facilities. It is the world’s first suspended green building and features a spectacular rooftop garden with panoramic view.’

The new southern branch of the National Library is described by the architects as ‘a library, a park and a town’ – a hub of open learning.