Shhhh – The Kaohsiung Library.

In typical Carlos-fashion, I had to take a little visit to the public library here in Kaohsiung. I was rather impressed by how modern and awesome it was in comparison to the public libraries I visited in China. 

Notice the book drop!

1. The library is FREE! Yes, you can use a computer and check out books for FREE – just as it should be. Although, here the initial period to check out was 28 days – TWENTY-EIGHT! (Step it up TCCL).
2. People actually go there to read and do research, not just study. The library here does a good job at having events and programming for kids and such. They like making it FUN! It was a little louder than I would have liked, but hey, sometimes having fun is a lively activity.
3. Your books as cleaned when you check them out! Yes, you heard right, cleaned! Once you check out your books they are zapped by a machine to be clean. Some kind of UV rays or something, I dunno.

It was funny because I found myself getting lost inside the Library because it was so cool. I browsed the English children’s book area first and selected a few good books for my host brothers (As requested by my mother Tina). They had some quality kid's titles like “Chicka, Chicka, Boom Boom,” some Earl Carle books, Amber Brown, Because of Winn Dixie, and PC Cast. I was surprised to see the whole School of Night series there, PC Cast (Oklahoma author for those of your who wait for the movie to come out).

I then proceeded to impress my host mom with my knowledge of children’s books, what age levels each were appropriate with and how libraries work in the US. Not to mention that fact that I know P.C. Talked to a few locals about the library (They all love it!) and checked out some books. Good work Taiwan with your public library – approved!

Circulation Desk.

Zapping our books clean. Many people touch books, we must clean.

Look familiar youth librarians?

I asked if I could take a picture. She said yes, but apparently meant no.