The world’s biggest gift on land—Kaohsiung’s “New Municipal Library” unveiled with red ribbons to welcome visitors

▲ Kaohsiung’s new landmark building, the “New Kaohsiung Municipal Library Main Branch,” begins trial operations today. (Photo / taken fromthe Kaohsiung Unbelievable fan page)

Reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

On the 13th, residents of Kaohsiung jointly received a “biggest gift on land” tied with a red ribbon—the brand-new Kaohsiung Municipal Library Main Branch, which took four years to complete. Starting now, it will undergo a three-phase trial operation, with plans to officially open on New Year’s Day next year.

The newly completed Kaohsiung Municipal Library Main Branch adopts the architectural concept of “a green cultural landmark with trees within the library and a library within the trees.” It was built at a cost of NT$1.9 billion, has a total of nine floors including the basement, covers an area of 20,000 square meters, and is the largest library among the five directly governed municipalities. Its collection includes up to one million books.

The building has set several global and national records: the world’s first cable-suspended structure, the world’s largest suspended landscape atrium, the world’s most transparent library in terms of landscape, the world’s first 7.5-meter-high column-free covered plaza, the first comprehensive system building in Taiwan, and the most functionally flexible building in the country. (Photo / taken fromthe Kaohsiung Unbelievable fan page)

The nearly fully transparent glass exterior allows the surrounding scenery to naturally blend in, becoming the library’s most natural decoration. While immersed in the scent of books, visitors can admire different views of Kaohsiung from various angles, earning it the title of the world’s most transparent library in terms of landscape.

Other stunning features include the world’s largest suspended landscape atrium, which houses a small green forest. Whether enjoying the phytoncides through the glass windows or leisurely reading under the trees, it offers a unique reading experience found only here.

The most popular spot for visitors is the central atrium, where people can also read books. (Photo / taken fromthe Kaohsiung Unbelievable fan page)

In addition, the library emphasizes its unique architectural feature of “column-free indoor spaces,” allowing visitors to read comfortably in spacious areas. The basement level also houses Taiwan’s first international picture book library and a children’s theater, making it easier for kids to develop an interest in reading.

▲ The “column-free reading space” created by the special architectural design allows visitors to read in a truly open environment. (Photo / Provided by the Kaohsiung City Government)

The Kaohsiung City Government stated that this is a “gift for all citizens.” They added a creative touch by wrapping the entire building with a large red ribbon, turning it into a glass gift box. During the inauguration ceremony on the 13th, the red ribbon was untied, symbolizing the official completion and commencement of the trial operation of the new Municipal Library Main Branch.

The trial operation of the new Kaohsiung Municipal Library Main Branch is divided into three phases. The first phase, from today until the 16th, allows the public to visit and read inside the library. From the 18th to December 31st, book lending services will begin, with full operations starting on New Year’s Day next year.

The building’s eye-catching red ribbon transforms it into a giant glass gift box. (Photo / Provided by the Kaohsiung City Government)

New Kaohsiung Municipal Library Main Branch

Trial Operation Dates:November 13 to December 31
Opening Hours:Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Closed on Mondays and election days

Three Phases of Trial Operation:

Phase One:November 13–16: Open for visits and in-library reading
Phase Two:November 18 – December 31: Open book lending services on floors 3–7, online borrowing not available
Phase Three:January 1, 2015: Official operation. Full library lending and online borrowing services available