Picture books are not just meant to be read—they can also be performed and played out! As part of the 2026 Taichung Reading Bookstart Program(2026台中市閱讀起步走), themed “Reading Forest”(「閱讀之森」), the Taichung Public Library will present “Reading Forest Theater”() at the Taichung Green Museumbrary at 3 p.m. on September 20. The library’s “Yi-Chi Storytelling Theater” (「意啟故事劇團」) and the “If Kids Theatre” () will take turns presenting performances, while the “Little Book Seedling Market” (「小書苗市集」) will offer a variety of activities combining stories, games, creative experiences, and digital reading. Families are invited to step into a forest-like world of stories and discover the many possibilities of reading.

The “Reading Forest Theater” will take place at the shaded plaza on the first floor of the Taichung Green Museumbrary. The library’s “Yi-Chi Storytelling Theater” will kick off the event with a picture-book adaptation, “Who Took Mao-Mao’s Strawberries?”(「誰拿了毛毛的草莓」), inviting children and adults to become little story detectives and follow the plot to search for clues. The “If Kids Theatre” will then present the finale, “The Magic Hot Spring Water: Who Can Help?” Through lively adventures and engaging interactions, the performance encourages children to recognize and understand emotions while learning the importance of helping others, allowing families to enter the world of the story together through laughter and fun.

In addition to the performances, the “Little Book Seedling Market” will feature a “Reading Bookstart” gift bag redemption station, as well as digital reading experiences including online English reading through Highlights Library and interactive audiobooks for children on BookFlix. Hands-on crafts, light refreshments, and information booths will also be available, taking families from “watching stories” to “playing and creating stories” and helping children discover the joy of reading through games and interaction.

The Department of Cultural Affairs said that reading is an important starting point for children to discover and understand the world. The Taichung Public Library continues to promote the “Reading Bookstart” program, ranging from parent-child shared reading and parent education lectures to storytelling theaters. By incorporating sound, performance, and interaction, reading can extend beyond the pages of a book, helping children develop an interest in reading while giving families more opportunities to create cherished memories together.

The Taichung Public Library is also extending its reading services beyond library buildings. Through its branches and mobile libraries, the library brings reading resources into communities, schools, and everyday settings. It has also trained 12 storytelling theater groups to bring quality books and stories to more people. Beginning in September, the “Mobile Story House”(「移動故事屋」) and “Forest Reading Train” (「森林閱讀列車」) programs will feature performances by groups including “Seagull Sister”(「海鷗姐姐」), “Big Lion Sister Kamishibai”(「大獅姐姐紙芝居」), and “Liang-Liang Making”(「両両製造」). The teams will travel to Hsu Liang-Yu Library in Dongshi, Xidong Branch Library, Guo'an No. 1 Housing Development in Xitun District, Xieyuan Haozhai in East District, Da'an Branch Library, Maosheng Hospital, Yiwen Branch Library in Wufeng, and the Qingshui Military Dependents’ Village at the Taichung Harbor Arts Center. Through these activities, reading reaches into communities and becomes part of everyday family life. Families are warmly invited to join the fun together.

The Taichung Public Library reminds families who are registered residents of Taichung City and have children aged 0 to 5 that they can receive one limited-edition “Reading Bookstart” gift bag by borrowing 10 books with a child’s library card and participating in an activity, or by completing the Parent Growth Learning Worksheet. For more information about upcoming activities, please visit the official website of the Taichung Public Library.