The Taichung Public Library officially launched its “Bookstart”(閱讀起步走) reading initiative for children aged 0 to 5 on July 13 at Taichung City Hall. This year, over 100 parent-child reading events will be held across 46 libraries citywide, with an expected distribution of 10,000 reading gift bags.  Director of Cultural Affairs Chen Jiajun stated that the city government has integrated resources from libraries, social rented housing, correctional facilities, and mobile library vehicles to create a reading-friendly environment without boundaries—allowing books to flutter like butterflies into every corner of the city, accompanying children as they grow.

"Just 10 Minutes a Day in  Reading Can  Empower Your Children to Explore the  World!"  Director Chen emphasized that “Bookstart” is an important infant and toddler reading program that the city government has been promoting for many years. This year’s theme is “Reading in Taichung”(「閱讀 in 台中」).  From July to December, over 100 reading events will be held across 46 libraries. With daily 10-minute shared reading between parents and children, the initiative aims to nurture children's understanding of the world through listening, touch, and comprehension.  Director Chen also noted that the initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Urban Development Bureau, Social Affairs Bureau, social welfare organizations, Taichung Women's Prison, the Yu Yuan Education Foundation(裕元教育基金會), and the Taichung Toy Bank(台中市玩具銀行). These partnerships help every child find a personal starting point for reading through meaningful shared reading moments. Reading promotion will also extend to outdoor settings, including the annual City Picnic Day and various picture book exhibitions and lectures held across libraries. Additionally, seven mobile libraries will serve remote schools and communities, showcasing Taichung's innovative approach to promoting reading.

The launch event was full of energy. The beloved character “LeLe” (樂樂) from CommonWealth Education Media and Publishing’s Little Planet magazine(「親子天下・小行星幼兒誌」) delivered a lively performance of singing and dancing, delighting children and adults alike. Families from the city-run Infant Care Center and Xinjiansheng Kindergarten(新劍聲幼兒園) received the first batch of reading gift bags. A parent, Ms. Chen, shared that this was her second time participating in the event. Last year, her baby was just six months old and loved the gift bag, so she returned again this year, hoping to continue growing with her child through reading. This year’s gift bag, designed by illustrator Wu Ruizhe(吳睿哲), features a butterfly motif symbolizing transformation and growth through reading. It incorporates themes of nature and sustainability, reflecting the essence of shared reading and sustainable development. A baby and toddler book exhibition was also held on-site, drawing parents to browse and immerse themselves in a fragrant literary atmosphere.

 The Taichung Public Library added that this year’s program includes a diverse array of activities—not only promoting reading among young children, but also offering parenting workshops featuring children’s book author Wang Shufen(王淑芬), parenting expert He Pianpian(何翩翩), and pediatrician Dr. Ma Dayuan(馬大元). These speakers will share parenting insights and emotional support strategies to help parents and children grow together.    Ten special “Creative Reading Events(閱讀創意活動)” are also planned, starting with the first on July 12 at the Tactile Experience Zone of Taichung Central Park(中央公園觸覺體驗區). Citizens are invited to enjoy a family picnic and watch a children's theater performance. These events aim to help children fall in love with reading through fun and educational activities that blend nature and the arts.

Finally, the library reminds the public that the “Bookstart” initiative will run until the end of the year. Parents of children aged 0 to 5 who are registered in Taichung city can receive a limited-edition reading gift bag by borrowing 10 books with their child's library card and either attending one event or completing a reading worksheet. Parents are encouraged to bring their little children to the library, read a storybook, and then spark their imaginations—making reading a beautiful companion on their children’s journey of growth.   For more information, please visit the Taichung Public Library website:  https://gov.tw/9ha