Library for Children

Established on Children's Day (April 4) this year, the children's library in the National Taiwan Normal University covers an area of 3,600 sq. ft. It is divided into two main sections, the nursery and children's room, and two smaller ones, the audio-visual and parents' conference rooms.

The nursery is further divided into two parts to house toys and books respectively. Children aged from three to six years are allowed to engage in such activities as playing with stuffed toys, building with wooden blocks or reading comic strips inside the colorfully decorated room. Compared with the talk and laughter in this section, the children's room, for those aged between seven and 12, is relatively quiet.

The library project got under way with an NT$50,000 (US$1,400) donation from Dr. Chiang Fu-tsung, director of the National Palace Museum, to mark the International Year of the Child and boost the national construction program. The donation campaign spread with contributions from the Yuanchi Foundation of NT$1 million (US$28,000) and the National Taiwan Normal University of NT$200,000 (US$5,500). After only a month of preparations, the children's library was established.

Library director Chang Ting-chung expressed his appreciation particularly for the support from the public. About 80 percent of the equipment, books and toys have been donated by 45 different cultural and educational institutions. The equipment so far installed amounts to 300 toys, 3,500 books and 50 video tapes. The eventual target is to have 10,000 books in the library.

The library has two main functions, which are given equal emphasis. In the morning, groups of teachers and other people working with children are able to visit the library and exchange views with staff. In the afternoon, it is open to children aged from three to 12. Any child can join on submission of two photographs and a biodata card. Since the library was established, a total of 1,100 children have applied for membership. To ensure an adequate flow of fresh air, however, only 100 children are allowed into the facility at a time. Since some 500 children a day wish to visit the library, a line often builds up outside.

While they are in the library, children are instructed in the best way to choose books suitable for their age, so they will not obtain a distorted impression or simply lose interest. The librarians also inculcate good habits in the children by reminding them to return books to their original places, and not to damage or hoard them. Children are also helped to overcome abnormal physical or psychological traits.

Children absorbed in the librarian 's interesting stories.

A great variety of children's periodicals and magazines provide the most up-to-date knowledge for children.