Taoyuan Library Launches Photo Contest to Celebrate Lunar New Year

The Taoyuan Public Library in Taiwan has initiated a unique event to celebrate the Lunar New Year, encouraging families to share their “reading memories” through photographs. The contest, which runs until February 1, 2024, aims to promote reading among children and strengthen family bonds.

Families are invited to reorganize their home bookshelves as part of traditional year-end cleaning and reflect on the reading experiences that have shaped their children’s development. Shih Chao-hui, the library director, emphasized the importance of these memories, stating, “Participants are invited to submit a photograph of their family reading together, along with a recommendation of a book suitable for family reading.” Entries can be submitted through the Taoyuan Public Library website.

As an incentive to participate, the library will award limited-edition red envelope sets to the winners. There are three unique styles of envelopes designed by local artists. One set, created by paper artist Hung Hsin-fu, features an innovative design that transforms traditional couplets into vibrant 3D visuals. The other two sets, designed by graphic artist Hsiao Yen-hsuan, incorporate gold foil images of galloping horses and playful word arrangements, making the envelopes not only festive but also interactive for children.

The library has produced 600 sets of these envelopes, each containing a square spring couplet. The top photographs submitted in the contest will earn a limited-edition notebook and will also be showcased on the library’s website and video wall.

In a related initiative, the Changhua County Government has partnered with calligraphy master Wu Chao-hsun from Lukang Township to create special couplets featuring the Year of the Horse greeting: “May your success soar high like a galloping horse.” Residents can collect these couplets free of charge at various county offices, including the Changhua County Hall and other administrative centers. An official from the county government remarked on the artistic significance of Wu’s work, highlighting how his brushstrokes blend traditional aesthetics with contemporary style.

Additionally, the Taiwan Image Calligraphy Museum has released its couplets for the year, focusing on the themes of “peace” (平安) and “smile” (笑). Designed by museum director Chen Shih-hsien, these couplets aim to inspire individuals to leave behind past frustrations and embrace the New Year with positivity. The “peace” couplet features an octagonal shape, symbolizing the attraction of good fortune, while the “smile” couplet is circular, representing happiness and fulfillment.

Through these initiatives, both the Taoyuan Public Library and Changhua County Government are fostering a culture of reading and artistic expression during the Lunar New Year celebrations, engaging families and communities across Taiwan.