【Reported from Kaohsiung】The Kaohsiung Public Library (KPL) and Locus Publishing kept citizens of Southern Taiwan close to their hearts during the Taipei International Book Fair. On February 9, 2025, the two institutions collaborated to organize an international speech at KPL. The main speaker at the event was Grazia Gotti, a long-term consultant for the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, who shared perspectives on the international picture book industry and the importance of visual literacy for children. The event served as an opportunity for the citizens in Southern Taiwan to take part in the celebration of reading and learn about the issues surrounding illustrated reading from a global perspective despite being unable to attend the Taipei International Book Fair.

According to KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee, Grazia Gotti is a world-class speaker with deep expertise in developing global trends. Her speech was sure to inspire and broaden the audience's understanding of children's visual literacy, guiding them as they gain a deeper appreciation of picture books' significance in breaking language barriers and transmitting culture worldwide.

[Image 1] KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee (left) presented a gift of appreciation to Grazia Gotti (right) as a genuine gesture of respect.

Director Lee thanked Grazia Gotti for her suggestions to the International Picture Book Center, expressing that her feedback has enriched the meaning of KPL’s commitment to continue supporting the development of children's visual literacy.

During her speech, Grazia Gotti delved into her wealth of experiences to share stories of her journey as a kindergarten teacher, the founder of an Italian independent bookstore, and eventually a consultant for the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. She then went on an in-depth exploration of the development of the trends in picture books and children's visual literacy.

Many students from KPL’s Picture Book Sprouting Courses were in attendance. Grazia Gotti paid special acknowledgement to Taiwanese picture book creators, many of whose works she had reviewed as a judge at international competitions. She also offered the students valuable advice and encouraged them to continue their hard work.

Grazia Gotti admitted to being surprised when she came to visit KPL. She expressed her joy at seeing such an intriguing library built on the wondrous island of Taiwan, announcing her intentions to donate a number of carefully selected picture books from the Bologna Children’s Book Fair to KPL through Taiwan’s Academy of Transcending the Boundaries of Visual Language. Grazia Gotti continued by expressing her enthusiasm for future collaborations with KPL to strengthen the friendship between Taiwan and Italy through books, providing more opportunities for Taiwanese citizens to read internationally acclaimed literature.

Her words were met with excited cheers from the crowd. Many citizens have gained a new understanding and appreciation for picture books. Participants of the event also shared their feedback and impression of the event.

[Image 2]  International Children’s Book Fair Consultant, Grazia Gotti, delved into her wealth of experience to share her stories and perspectives on the international picture book industry and children’s visual literacy.

One of them was Miss Chang, a picture book author who stated that she had gained a deeper understanding of picture books through the speech. Miss Chang claimed that the speech had broadened her perspective and given her new inspiration and motivation in her creative journey.

“I’ve come to understand more about how to choose suitable books for children from listening to this speech,” said an educator who attended the event. “I’ve also learned how picture books can be used in daily learning activities. What inspired me the most was the speaker’s discussion about children’s visual literacy. I’ll be applying these concepts to my teaching from now on.”

[Image 3] Grazia Gotti visited the exhibition at the Picture Book Plaza on KPL’s B1 Floor, where she learned about the International Book Center’s 10-year-long history and evolution.

During the Taipei International Book Festival, KPL invited international picture book authors to attend its “Open It! Open the Picture Books of the World” event. The event consisted of two activities and one book exhibition, introducing readers to the ins and outs of the international picture book industry while cementing libraries' role as a cultural platform.

On February 2, 2025, KPL will be hosting an international creative workshop in collaboration with Wallonia-Brussels International (WBI), featuring Belgian author Maud Roegiers and Alice Editions’s Sophie Van den Bril as the event’s main speakers to share their creative process and outlook.

Please visit KPL’s official website (https://www.ksml.edu.tw/) for more detailed information.

[Image 4] KPL presented Grazia Gotti with a special gift as a genuine gesture of respect.