April 23 is designated by UNESCO as World Book Day. Inspired by the Catalonian tradition of exchanging books and roses, the National Library of Public Information (NLPI) has reinterpreted this custom into a vibrant and imaginative celebration.
Breaking away from conventional reading promotion, NLPI integrates reading with gamification, incorporating interactive formats such as immersive puzzle-solving, role-playing scenarios, mission-based challenges, and orienteering-style exploration. Books are transformed into engaging journeys of discovery. Through task-based progression and point-ranking systems, the program effectively stimulates motivation and a sense of achievement among readers of all ages. By integrating digital technology, exhibitions, and diverse resources, NLPI creates an immersive environment where even complex topics become accessible and engaging. This innovative approach, combining educational value with broad appeal, has successfully lowered barriers to reading and expanded audience reach. The steady growth in visitor numbers and borrowing volumes in recent years reflects the continued vitality of reading communities. NLPI will continue to lead readers beyond the boundaries of text and open new possibilities for a reading culture shared by all.

The Taiwan Reading Festival is a major annual event in Taiwan’s library community and a nationwide initiative for reading promotion. It serves as a key platform showcasing innovation and new developments in reading culture. Held simultaneously at libraries across Taiwan during the first week of December each year, the festival features a wide range of creative and engaging programs. These activities not only present the year’s achievements in reading promotion, but also encourage the public to cultivate sustained reading habits. As the driving force behind the initiative, the National Library of Public Information (NLPI) curates an annual series of themed programs that integrate exhibitions, interactive experiences, and cross-sector collaborations. Through these efforts, reading evolves beyond a quiet, solitary activity into a dynamic cultural experience rich in imagination and participation. Over more than a decade, the Taiwan Reading Festival has grown into a distinctive national reading brand. It continues to inspire new models and highlights in reading promotion, while connecting libraries with the publishing, education, and cultural sectors. Together, these collaborations foster a richer reading environment, energize the publishing ecosystem, and position reading as one of the most vibrant and meaningful cultural expressions in Taiwanese society.

Baseball, one of Taiwan’s most beloved national sports, provides the inspiration for NLPI’s “Reading Home Run” initiative. Since 2016, the National Library of Public Information (NLPI) has partnered with CTBC Bank to launch this cross-sector program, using sports marketing strategies to transform fans’ passion for the game into motivation for reading. The initiative embodies the creative vision of turning fans into readers and readers into fans. During the campaign period, participants can take part in a “Borrow Books for Tickets” challenge, where completing reading tasks earns vouchers for CTBC Brothers home game tickets. This approach encourages engagement across both communities, allowing participants to support reading while celebrating their favorite teams. The program connects public libraries across Taiwan with online bookstores and publishing channels. In 2022, it received SROI certification from the Social Value International, achieving an outstanding result of NT$8.99 in social value for every NT$1 invested, ranking as the highest-value project in the education category that year. NLPI will continue to collaborate with CTBC Bank through public-private partnerships, leveraging cross-sector resources to expand its impact. While promoting the joy of reading, the initiative also strengthens the long-term value of social engagement, cultural development, and educational outreach.