For many families, the moments spent snuggling together over a picture book before bedtime often become some of the warmest and most cherished memories of childhood. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Taichung Public Library’s early childhood reading initiative. Today (June 24), the 2026 Bookstart Program(「閱讀起步走」) officially launched at Taichung Green Museumbrary under the theme “Forest of Reading(「閱讀之森」)”. The opening ceremony was attended by Hsiao Ching-Ping, Secretary-General of the Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau(文化局主任秘書蕭靜萍), together with local families, symbolizing the city’s long-term commitment to nurturing children’s growth through reading and the continuing expansion of this enduring effort.

Secretary-General Hsiao noted that this year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Taichung Public Library. The theme “Forest of Reading” was chosen to represent how reading begins as a seed within families, gradually taking root and growing into a forest filled with imagination, discovery, and hope. Over the past decade, the library has accompanied countless families on their first visits to a library, encouraging parents and children to read picture books together, share stories, and integrate reading into everyday life, making books a natural and heartwarming part of family routines.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau emphasized that reading is more than a means of acquiring knowledge—it is also essential for cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. Through shared reading experiences, children learn about the world, understand emotions, and gradually develop the skills needed to face the future. In doing so, values such as sustainability, kindness, and inclusion can take root naturally from an early age.

Coinciding with the launch of the program, the Children’s Area at Taichung Green Museumbrary is presenting the exhibition “Amazing Market: A Shopping Journey Through Reading 「驚奇市場－閱讀的採買旅行」”.  Together with the Bookstart activities designed for families with children aged 0 to 5, the exhibition invites parents and children to explore the library and embark on a reading adventure filled with surprises. One parent shared that they bring their child to the library almost every month to borrow books, joking that they always “borrow the maximum allowed.” As a result, their bookshelf is constantly refreshed with new stories, giving their child the freedom to choose a favorite book to read together every day.

The bureau also introduced this year’s special 10th-anniversary reading gift pack, designed by acclaimed visual artist Chun-Sheng Chou(鄒駿昇), winner of an international award at the Bologna Children's Book Fair. Inspired by the themes of forests and growth, the design reflects the spirit of the “Forest of Reading.”

Beginning July 1, parents residing in Taichung with children aged 0 to 5 may redeem one of 10,000 limited-edition reading gift packs at any of the city’s 48 public libraries. To qualify, participants must use their child’s library card to borrow 10 books and attend one designated reading activity. Since last year, each eligible child has been entitled to receive the gift pack only once in their lifetime, encouraging families to bring home not only books but also the joy and warmth of reading together.

Throughout the campaign period, the Taichung Public Library will host more than 100 reading-related events, transforming the city into a family reading festival. Highlights include the “Parenting in the Forest” Lecture Series, featuring renowned pediatrician Tsung-Ning Huang, Hsin-Yi Foundation Chief Operating Officer Jui-Wen Liao, and children’s literature scholar Shu-Nu Yen, who will share insights on parenting and family reading.

Additional programs include parent-child reading workshops, touring performances, themed book exhibitions, and productions by If Kids Theatre, offering diverse opportunities for families to enjoy reading together and make it an integral part of everyday life.

The Taichung Public Library noted that over the past decade, the Bookstart Program has helped tens of thousands of families take their first steps into reading. Looking ahead, the library will continue collaborating with preschools, family centers, social welfare organizations, and community partners to expand the impact of early literacy programs, bringing the joy of reading into more homes and accompanying children as they grow. Through these efforts, books will continue to serve as one of the most valuable sources of nourishment in a child’s life.

For more information, please visit the official website of the Taichung Public Library.