Life Report Orange Weng Yunqian
In recent years, the popular trend of “parent-child reading” has been highlighted by many experts as an effective way to stimulate children’s learning abilities. Pediatrician Wu Shujuan pointed out that developmental education scholar Dr. Whitehurst once proposed the concept of “dialogic reading,” which uses “conversation” to read and discuss books with children, providing stimulation for their language development.
According to a report by Parenting Today, the “Taiwanese Early Childhood Development Survey Database Establishment Project” also found that families with higher frequencies of parent-child book reading have children who perform better in language cognition, social-emotional development, and physical activity. For example, in terms of language ability, toddlers who engage in parent-child reading more than seven times a week show better language comprehension and expression skills compared to those who read six times a week or less, or have not yet started reading together. Therefore, even though parents are often busy with work, they should still try to develop the habit of parent-child reading.
In fact, New Taipei City has many distinctive “parent-child libraries” that are perfect for reading with your children. The editors have selected five of them—spend your holidays enjoying the joy of reading with your kids.
Image source: Xinbei Municipal Library Tucheng Parent-Child Branch, Xinbei Municipal Library Sanxia Pei-Tai Branch
The Xinbei Municipal Library Main Branch offers a diverse reading environment. For example, the 7th floor features a Mediterranean style, while the 5th floor showcases a Nordic minimalist design. The main branch adopts a “layered, age-specific” concept, designed from the readers’ perspective, so every family member can find their own “reading niche.”
When you visit the 3rd floor children’s area, designed for parent-child reading, you’ll notice that the bookshelves have no sharp edges, so parents don’t need to worry about their children bumping into them and getting hurt. Additionally, the children’s area features “giant books” that kids can flip through with a simple wave of their hand, making this section a favorite play spot for many children.
Image source: Xinbei Municipal Library
The Xinbei Municipal Library Main Branch is the first 24-hour library in Taiwan. The 1st floor houses a 24-hour self-service book pick-up and return area and a new book display zone, allowing even overtime-working parents to stop by and borrow suitable books. The 4th floor’s comic and study areas provide a quiet place to enjoy a good book at night. Moreover, the 1st floor also has a café and light snack bar where you and your child can enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea without leaving the library.
Image source: Xinbei Municipal Library.
■ Address: No. 139, Guixing Road, Banqiao District, New Taipei City
■ Opening Hours:
1st Floor, 4th Floor: 24 hours daily, Monday to Sunday
Other Floors: Monday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM / Tuesday–Sunday 8:30 AM–9:00 PM
■ Regular Closure Dates: Last Thursday of each month, national holidays
The Xinbei Municipal Library Sanxia Pei-Tai Branch adopts a “family” concept as the main theme of its architectural design, creating a multifaceted reading space. It’s not only a great place for reading but also a space for family bonding.
The branch houses over 30,000 books. With soft lighting and wooden shelves, it also features a soft “big bear” plush toy to accompany children while they read, adding fun to the reading experience and encouraging children to love reading.
Image source: Xinbei Municipal Library.
Another highlight of the Sanxia Pei-Tai Branch is the “movable bookshelf,” which allows flexible rearrangement of shelves and lets children feel as if they’re reading casually at home.
Movable bookshelf. Image source: Xinbei Municipal Library.
The Sanxia Pei-Tai Branch also has parent-child restrooms and book disinfection machines—thoughtful designs that give parents added peace of mind.
■ Address: Floors 3–4, No. 396, Xuecheng Road, Sanxia District, New Taipei City
■ Opening Hours:
Tuesday–Saturday: 8:30 AM–9:00 PM
Sunday, Monday: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
■ Regular Closure Dates: Last Thursday of each month, national holidays
Recommended Reading:
The newly reopened Xinbei Municipal Library Sanchong South Branch in 2018 (last year) is Taiwan’s first library themed around “vinyl records.” This is because Sanchong was once the largest vinyl pressing site in Taiwan. Thanks to donations from several vinyl collectors, rare vinyl records are now available here. The Sanchong South Branch has a special “vinyl listening area,” so bring your kids along to experience a touch of retro charm.
Image source: New Taipei City Public Library
The children's reading room at Sanchong South Branch offers a spacious, bright, and comfortable environment. There is also a Miffy character to accompany children while they read. Kids can also go inside the reading nook to enjoy their books, and the adorable design has attracted many parents and children.
Image source: New Taipei City Public Library
There is also a children’s toy room where kids can not only read picture books but also play with building blocks, playhouse sets, and educational toys.
■ Address: 3rd Floor, No. 70, Zhong’an Street, Sanchong District, New Taipei City
■ Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday and Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
■ Regular Closure Dates: Last Thursday of each month, national holidays
The Tucheng Parent-Child Branch of New Taipei City Public Library is a library specifically designed for children under 12. Upon entering, it feels like stepping into a fairy-tale forest. The wooden flooring mimics soil colors, complemented by cute and lively tree designs that create the ambiance of reading in a forest.
Image source: New Taipei City Public Library
The toddler play area is specially designed for 4-year-old children. Its most distinctive feature is the “toy rental” service, offering over 350 toys across six categories — educational, language, science, manipulative, socio-cultural, and infant toys — creating a wonderful space for children to play.
Image source: New Taipei City Public Library
■ Address: 4th Floor, No. 30, Lane 28, Zhongzhou Road, Tucheng District, New Taipei City
■ Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday and Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
■ Regular Closure Dates: Last Thursday of each month, national holidays
Recommended Reading:
Upon entering the children’s reading room at Banqiao Jiangzicui Branch of New Taipei City Public Library, children are drawn to the colorful “Reading Hill,” whose soft materials allow them to comfortably lie down and read. The library also posts signs indicating that this is a reading area rather than a play area, maintaining a good reading environment.
Image source: New Taipei City Public Library
Walking to other floors, you can also see that the Banqiao Jiangzicui Branch emphasizes an “academy style,” with bookshelves filled with books, high ceilings, and design-forward windows. It also includes a café corner where children and parents can enjoy the pleasure of reading along with coffee.
Image source: New Taipei City Public Library
■ Address: No. 62, Zhuangjing Road, Banqiao District, New Taipei City
■ Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday and Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
■ Regular Closure Dates: Last Thursday of each month, national holidays
[Authorized Repost from VidaOrange | Original Article: “5 Featured ‘Themed Parent-Child Libraries’ in New Taipei City – From Cute to Academic to Forest Style, All Full of Fun”]