Without leaving the country, visitors can embark on a cultural journey across borders right inside the library. The Taichung Public Library, in collaboration with the Taipei Book Fair Foundation and the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand, brings a cross-disciplinary program to Taichung Green Museumbrary. Through the fusion of cuisine, literature, and art — featuring talks, a book exhibition, and family activities — the initiative creates an international reading platform where the public can experience the richness of diverse cultures through reading and interaction.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that since its official opening late last year, Taichung Green Museumbrary has become an important venue for exchanges between local citizens and international audiences. By connecting global publishing and creative resources, the Taichung Public Library invites international writers and creators to share their perspectives, enabling residents to engage in cross-cultural experiences without the need for long-distance travel.

The first event will take place on the morning of February 7 at Taichung Green Museumbrary. Renowned international chef and author Daniel Green will present a talk titled “Bringing Thailand Home — The Techniques and Passion Behind Thai Cuisine.” Using food as a starting point, he will explore how spices, ingredients, and culinary techniques come together to create Thailand’s distinctive flavors, while also sharing the cultural stories behind the cuisine. The session offers audiences a unique opportunity to appreciate Thai culture through the lens of gastronomy.

Later that afternoon, a literary forum titled “Home — Stories of Belonging Across Distances” will be held. The discussion will be moderated by Theerapat Charoensuk, Secretary-General of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand, and will feature conversations with acclaimed Thai novelist Kanokwalee Pojanapakorn and mystery writer Chairat Pipitpattanaprap. Drawing from their creative journeys, the speakers will reflect on how themes of homeland, emotion, and memory are transformed into literature, highlighting the role of storytelling as a bridge between Taichung and the wider world.

Families and young readers will also find inspiration in this international exchange. On the morning of February 8, Polish children’s author and illustrator Joanna Bartosik will lead an interactive art workshop. Sharing the stories behind her picture books My Mom, My Dad and My Grandma, My Grandpa, she will guide parents and children in creating animated family portraits, allowing participants to experience the joy of reading through artistic expression.

In addition, the Taichung Public Library announced that, in response to Thailand being the Theme Country of the Taipei International Book Exhibition, the Main Library will host a special book exhibition titled “Resonance: Thai Reading Landscapes in Dialogue with the World” from February 11 to April 30. The exhibition will showcase Thai-language editions of internationally beloved classics such as The Little Prince and the Harry Potter series, alongside Thai translations of Taiwanese works, including picture books by Jimmy Liao.

To further promote inclusive reading, the library’s mobile book vans will deliver Southeast Asian titles and multilingual library card applications to migrant worker residences, creating welcoming reading spaces and helping international readers feel the warmth of home through books.

Event photographs include appearances by international chef and author Daniel Green; Thai mystery and suspense writer Chairat Pipitpattanaprap; Thai novelist Kanokwalee Pojanapakorn; Secretary-General Theerapat Charoensuk of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand; and Polish illustrator Joanna Bartosik. Through cross-cultural collaboration, the Taichung Public Library continues to expand its international reading initiatives and foster global cultural dialogue.