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On November 16, 2025, the Kaohsiung Public Library (KPL) and the German National Library's Deutsches Exilarchiv (German Exile Archive, 1933-1945) signed an MOU, marking a new chapter in Taiwan-Germany relations. Through the agreement, KPL aims to forge and strengthen friendships with libraries and cultural institutions worldwide; enrich their knowledge on library trends and new discoveries; and engage Kaohsiung citizens’ lives through deeper international cultural exchange.

The signing ceremony was opened by Yiwu Liao, a winner of the German Book Trade Association's Peace Prize. The directors of KPL and Deutsches Exilarchiv, Director Chin-Yang Lee and Dr. Sylvia Asmus, represented their respective institutions in signing the document. Dr. Volker Stanzel, who previously served as the German ambassador to Japan, and Ching-long Lu, Taiwan's former ambassador to France, were invited as witnesses.

Director Wen-Tsui Wang of the Kaohsiung City Government's Bureau of Cultural Affairs noted that both Taiwan and Germany hold human rights and freedom of speech in high regard. Established in 1948, the Deutsches Exilarchiv is dedicated to collecting and researching the works of authors and intellectuals who were forced into exile during Nazi Germany. The Archive has been sharing their collection with the world through publication, digitalization efforts, and exhibitions. The partnership between KPL and Deutsches Exilarchiv is not just a new highlight in Taiwan-Germany relations, but also shows a deep and meaningful friendship between cities on many levels, including intellectual, cultural, and value-based connections. Both parties expect more opportunities for engagement and exchanges on organizing exhibitions, collected works, research, and educational promotion in the near future. These activities will undoubtedly place libraries at the center of efforts for cultural exchange and understanding.

KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee noted that this year's Kaohsiung Reading Festival is centralized around the theme of “movement and mobility,” which symbolizes the power of thoughts and culture to transcend boundaries. KPL hopes to reflect on the experiences of human migration and displacement through books, lectures, and curated exhibitions. The MOU means more than simply a document signed to ensure cooperation. Rather, it is a bridge that connects memories of the past with visions for the future. From Europe to Asia, from works of exiled authors to reading activities in urban settings, Kaohsiung and Germany have joined forces to protect the values of freedom, human rights, and knowledge, starting with their respective libraries by making reading a universal language for people to understand the world.

Likewise, Dr. Sylvia Asmus also emphasized the significance of the signed collaboration agreement for both parties. The director expressed her great honor at her first visit to Taiwan and looked forward to more exchanges and collaborative projects in the future. Describing the scope of the agreement as broad and diverse, Dr. Asmus noted that both parties show great interests in many themes. The two institutions will continue maintaining close relations through virtual meetings and online exchanges, during which they will develop corresponding implementation strategies for different themes. Both parties commit to strengthen their collaboration and enable cross-border sharing for cultural resources and research.

In commemoration of the signing, KPL especially declared the second day of the 2025 Kaohsiung Reading Festival to be “German Day.” Following the signing ceremony, Dr. Asmus proceeded to give a speech on the Deutsches Exilarchiv's founding principles and achievements. Dr. Stanzel, a German ambassador previously tasked to Japan, was also a speaker during the event. His speech was titled “A Diplomat's Mobile Life,” in accordance with the theme of the 2025 Kaohsiung Reading Festival.

KPL sincerely invites citizens to visit and experience various events, one of which includes the “Stolen Children: Exhibition on Children’s Rights.” This exhibition, launched through the collaborative efforts of KPL, the Federal Foundation for the Study of the Communist Dictatorship, the Elisabeth Käsemann Foundation, and the Kaohsiung Museum of History, explores challenges and hardships in upholding children's human rights in countries ravaged by violence, political coercion, and war. By presenting real historical events and contemporary cases, the exhibition hopes to draw public attention and provoking deep reflections on the presented issues. Additionally, citizens are invited to the 2025 Kaohsiung Reading Festival, titled “Beyond Borders, Within the Harbor,” where they are guaranteed to experience an inspiring cultural journey that connects them with the world and show them the beauty of mobility in reading. 

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The Kaohsiung Public Library (KPL) and the Germany National Library's Deutsches Exilarchiv (German Exile Archive, 1933-1945) has officially signed an MOU. Ching-long Lu, Taiwan's former ambassador to France, stands on the far right, next to KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee. Dr. Stanzel, who previously served as the German ambassador to Japan, stands on the far left, with Dr. Sylvia Asmus, Director of the Deutsches Exilarchiv, next to him.

Picture 2:

The Kaohsiung Public Library (KPL) and the Germany National Library's Deutsches Exilarchiv (German Exile Archive, 1933-1945) has officially signed a collaboration agreement. Ching-long Lu, Taiwan's former ambassador to France, stands on the far right, next to KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee. Dr. Stanzel, who previously served as the German ambassador to Japan, stands on the far left, with Dr. Sylvia Asmus, Director of the Deutsches Exilarchiv, next to him.

Picture 3:

KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee and Dr. Sylvia Asmus, Director of the Deutsches Exilarchiv, signed the MOU on behalf of their respective institutions.

Picture 4:

As a gift to the Deutsches Exilarchive, KPL presents a sculpture of a dragon made of colored glass. The gift signifies the continuation of culture that transcends time and space. Glass, forged through pain, represents the light of humanity and a sign of respect for bonds of friendship.

Picture 5:

A picture of the attendants of the ceremony, commemorating a historical moment in Taiwan-German relations.