Taoyuan Library Launches Lunar New Year Reading Photo Contest

The Taoyuan Public Library in Taiwan has initiated a Lunar New Year-themed event aimed at promoting reading among families. The library invites participants to submit photographs capturing their “reading memories.” The winning entries will receive exclusive limited-edition red envelopes, enhancing the festive spirit while encouraging family bonding through literature.

Event Details and Participation

Running until February 1, 2024, the event encourages families to reorganize their home bookshelves, celebrating the memories created through reading. Library director Shih Chao-hui expressed the importance of revisiting these moments as part of year-end cleaning traditions. He stated, “Participants are invited to submit a photograph of their family reading together, along with a recommendation of a book suitable for family reading.”

Submissions can be made through the Taoyuan Public Library website. The top three entries will win one of three styles of limited-edition Year of the Horse red envelope sets. Designed by paper artist Hung Hsin-fu, one set features envelopes that unfold into vibrant 3D visual surprises. The other two sets, crafted by graphic designer Hsiao Yen-hsuan, incorporate gold foil images of galloping horses and engaging word-matrix arrangements, making reading enjoyable and interactive, especially for children.

Additional Celebrations and Calligraphy Traditions

In a related initiative, the Changhua County Government has partnered with calligraphy master Wu Chao-hsun from Lukang Township to offer traditional couplets inscribed with the Year of the Horse greeting: “May your success soar high like a galloping horse” (馬躍騰達). Residents can collect these couplets for free at various county offices, including the service counter at Changhua County Hall.

A county government official highlighted the significance of Wu’s calligraphy, stating, “The couplets carry special significance, as Wu’s bold yet elegant brushstrokes seamlessly blend traditional calligraphic aesthetics with modern sensibilities.” These couplets symbolize the hope for thriving careers and families, mirroring the energetic spirit of a galloping steed.

Separately, the Taiwan Image Calligraphy Museum has released couplets focused on the characters for “peace” (平安) and “smile” (笑). Designed by museum director Chen Shih-hsien, the couplets aim to inspire a fresh start for the new year. The “peace” couplet, in an octagonal shape, symbolizes the warding off of misfortune while attracting good luck. Chen explained that the design incorporates English to broaden accessibility.

The “smile” couplet is circular, representing the gentle curve of a smiling face, embodying themes of reunion and fulfillment. According to Chen, the design reflects the essence of calligraphic art, where each stroke evokes metaphor and storytelling.

This festive season, events like those organized by the Taoyuan Public Library and Changhua County Government not only celebrate cultural traditions but also foster a love for reading within families, ensuring that literature remains a vibrant part of communal life in Taiwan.