National Taiwan Library (NTL)

The National Taiwan Library (NTL), founded in 1914 in New Taipei, is Taiwan’s oldest public library. It is also known as a key research hub for Taiwan Studies. It houses extensive collections on Taiwan’s history, culture, politics, and geography.

Originally established as the Imperial Taiwan Library during Japanese rule, its first permanent location was destroyed in World War II. Renamed the Taiwan Provincial Library under Nationalist control, it moved to Xinsheng South Road in 1963. In 2007, Huang Wen-ling became its first female director, and in 2013, it adopted its current name.

NTL preserves 210,000 historical documents from the Japanese era and continues expanding its archives. It offers vast resources for Taiwan Studies, including digital access and support for visually impaired readers with 12,000 Braille books and assistive technology.

A pioneer in book conservation, NTL established a “Book Hospital” to restore old books and train professionals, ensuring Taiwan’s literary heritage is preserved for future generations.

Vision and Goals

The National Taiwan Library (NTL) fosters a love for reading, lifelong learning, and Taiwan Studies through innovation, inclusivity, and cultural preservation. It aims to expand knowledge, enhance accessibility, and share Taiwan’s rich literary heritage globally.

Vision

• Foster a love for reading and lifelong learning.

• Advance Taiwan Studies to inspire future generations.

• Provide friendly, engaging services for all.

Goals

1. Wisdom – Expand Taiwan Studies and promote reading.

   • Enrich collections and digital resources.

   • Encourage a reading culture.

   • Strengthen research and teaching foundations.

2. Innovation – Enhance library services and the reading environment.

   • Offer diverse activities and high-quality services.

   • Create a welcoming space for readers.

   • Train librarians and maximize collection value.

3. Sharing – Preserve and share cultural heritage.

   • Expand digital services and book preservation.

   • Promote research collaboration and knowledge exchange.

   • Strengthen international partnerships.

4. Humanity – Support inclusive learning for all.

   • Improve accessibility for special readers.

   • Develop age-specific reading areas.

   • Offer lifelong learning programs and cultural literacy initiatives.

Further details and information are available on the official National Taiwan Library (NTL) website.