1st Southeast Asia-themed library opens in Taiwan

2015-04-01

Taiwan’s first Southeast Asia-themed private library commenced operations March 30 in Taoyuan City, promoting greater acceptance and understanding of migrants from the region in local society.

Offering 1,000-plus books from countries like Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, Southeast Asia Migrant Inspired is part of a national book sharing campaign jointly initiated by Chang Cheng, former editor in chief of Southeast Asian migrant monthly magazine 4-Way Voice, as well as Lin Chou-hsi, editor in chief of the Thai version of the magazine.

“Southeast Asian workers play a significant role in the development of Taiwan,” Chang said. “Through the campaign and the library, we aim to help these new arrivals feel welcome in Taiwan and foster broader public understanding of their homelands.”

Subsidized under the Ministry of Culture’s Youth Village Cultural Development Project, SEAMI is expected to serve as a cultural haven for expatriate Southeast Asians. The library loans its books—many of which were sourced from a collection drive started by Chang in February—at no cost and offers free coffee to users of the service.

“We hope SEAMI will be a platform where migrants satiate their literary passions and share artwork and other cultural creations with the local community,” Chang said. “Our goal is to transform the library through donations, volunteerism and craft sales into a self-funded social enterprise benefiting an ever-expanding circle of locals and foreigners.”

Two additional libraries are set for launch in New Taipei and Chiayi cities in April, with another scheduled to open in Taichung in the second half of the year. While the New Taipei and Chiayi facilities focus on Southeast Asia, the one in Taichung offers materials on animal protection and children in remote parts of Taiwan.

“We are confident these libraries will play an invaluable role in improving the lives of our Southeast Asian friends,” Chang said. “Every book lent is an investment in the development of a warmer and more inclusive society islandwide.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=228904&CtNode=413)