History

Kaohsiung Municipal Library (hereafter referred to as "the library"), originally named the Kaohsiung State Public Education Center . In April 1954, the new library building at No. 39 Minsheng 2nd Road was inaugurated, and officially named the Kaohsiung Municipal Library. The original library building had become out of space. Therefore, the government appropriated the original Public Activity Center building at No. 80 Minsheng 2nd Road for the purpose of building the new library. Hence, the library was moved to the new address in August 1981, and has operated there until now.

In order to promote the reading habit and foster love for books in the society, a number of branch libraries have been established in various districts. Apart from the Second Main Library (Kaohsiung Literature Library), the library now has branches in Gushan, Cijin, Zuoying, Lingya, Sanmin, Sinsing, Yancheng, Cianjhen, Baoju, Southern Gushan , Tsuei-Ping, Yangming Community Library, Toys for Children Library , etc., and two Public Reading Rooms at Sinsing and Nanzih.. Construction of the Nanzaikeng branch will be completed in 2006 as well.

Reader Services

1. Issuance of Library Card
   All ROC citizens may apply for a library card, bringing their Household Register or relevant identification documents. The library card is an all-in-one and multitask card. Cardholders are eligible for services of all branch libraries in the City, library of National Chiang Kai Shek Cultural Center and library of the Open University of Kaohsiung (Public Section). The card shall be verified every six years.
2. Borrowing and Returning Books
   (1) Each cardholder may borrow up to 5 books, 2 out-of-date periodicals and 2 pieces of audio/visual information for a loaning period of 28 days (no renewal service).
   (2) Books/information overdue for 3 days or above will be stopped from circulating for the number of days based on the overdue days.
   (3) On national holidays or the library holidays, readers may make use of the holiday book drop for returning books.
3. Reservation Service
   For checked-out books, citizens may use the book reservation service on the Internet or by filling in a form. When the book is returned, library staff will inform the reader by phone or e-mail to pick up the book.
4. Inter-libraries Loan Service
   In order to facilitate citizens borrowing books/information of other branch libraries at a nearby branch (excluding periodicals), they may make request at any reading institution of the municipal library in person, by phone, fax, e-mail or online application, etc. However, this service is not available to readers with overdue books/information or rule-breaking records.

E-Services via Internet

1. The library website (http://www.ksml.edu.tw/) is available in Chinese, English and children versions. It provides the activities notice, databases, library catalog access, etc.
2. The inter-libraries collaboration system website at http://ill.stic.gov.tw, readers may make online application for inter-libraries copying or borrowing materials held in other branches.
3. The Reference Enquiry System provides online literature forwarding service. Citizens may raise questions about references through the Internet, staff at the Reference Section will help answer the questions or provide referral service, and forward messages to the readers as an attachment.
4. The social education website at http://www.social.ksml.edu.tw incorporates all recreational, artistic and cultural activities by various social education organizations in Kaohsiung City for enquiry and online application, enquiry for venue renting/borrowing status and application form download service.
5. A webpage holding overseas study information is built, and oversea study information area is set up at Baoju Library to provide references and information service about overseas study.
6. A Joint Catalog Search System for Kaohsiung region is instituted to include websites of all public libraries and colleges' and universities' libraries in Kaohsiung , in order to facilitate readers' search for book titles or information.
7. Provide e-books, e-journals website for the public's search and reading.
8. Information Search Area is set up at the Main Library and branch libraries with the base for wireless communication constructed. Quick and convenient information search service is provided in this way.

Book Recommendation and Donation

1. Recommendation form is available at the service counter of all our libraries, which accept recommendation of books. Recommendation may also be made via e-mail to the mailbox of book@mail.ksml.edu.tw, or directly at the "Reader Record of the Public Catalog Access System".
2. Donation of books from citizens is accepted at the service counter of the Main Library and all branch libraries. For large quantity donation, the library will be responsible for picking up at donor's home. (Contact no.: 886-7-2728459)

1. Organize "love for books" series of activities, library study classes, and the library orientation activities.
2. Encourage various sectors in the society to set up reading clubs; lay down the awarding rules for the reading clubs and build the "Internet reading club"; publish the Books Sense Quarterly ( 書香季刊 ) where members of the reading clubs may contribute their written works for publication; and organize the "Reading Club on Air" in collaboration with the broadcasting company.
3. Conduct story-telling activities and organize kids' reading club activities at different branch libraries. One bonus point will be given for children joining any one of the library's children activities. Children having collected bonus points may redeem gifts from the library. A maximum of 30 points may be accumulated, for which a certificate will be issued.
4. Encourage reading among the youth and promote literature writting ; organize various cultural activities including the "Literature in Campus," literature exhibitions in the Kaohsiung Literature Library and writing courses, etc.; and set up regulations for invitation of literature contribution from the youth, in order to encourage their original literary works (poems, prose, short stories, etc.). Digital files may be submitted to youngwriterkh@yahoo.com.tw, and remuneration will be given for selected works and the works will be published in the library's publication in collaboration with the Urban Spotlight.
5. Jhongsing Hall, Exhibition Hall, the main hall at Nanzih Library and main hall at Sanmin Library are all available for holding various cultural activities and exhibitions.

Gazing into futurity

To echo the city government's goal of creating a "healthy city," the library will aim at promoting mental health of the citizens. To create a good reading environment, construct new branch libraries, and try hard to request building of a new main library that is both technologically advanced and humanistic. All these efforts are directed towards building a truly literary city .