Children experience dramatic performances during the overnight “Read with Us in the Asia New Bay Area” event, weaving their unique webs.

As the summer break approaches, “A Night at the Library,” a highly anticipated event by adults and kids, was showcased on the night of the 24^th of July at the Kaohsiung Public Library (KPL). This year’s overnight event, "Read with Us in the Asia New Bay Area,” included bilingual nighttime readings, visits to the cultural and creative center, creative balloon activities, team challenges, and dramatic performances. Forty-eight participants worked together to harness their imagination by reading picture books, expressing their love for the library, and creating their own unique dramas.

Director Wang, Wen-Tsui (王文翠) of the Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Kaohsiung City Government, explained that this year’s overnight camp collaborated with the National Development Council to promote bilingualism. The overnight camp integrated foreign-language picture book reading activities. In addition, the camp worked with KPL’s cultural and creative center and took participants to visit “City Wind Books” and experience immersive games with Phalanity Digital Technology Co., Ltd.(方陣聯合數位科技公司), a 5G AIoT company in the Asia Bay area. Director Wang told us that with guidance from professional performance instructors, participants transformed their reading experiences into dramatic creations. They not only weaved their imagination through a diverse range of activities but also deepened their appreciation for the arts.

Acting Director of KPL, Lin Yi-Cheng (林奕成), mentioned that this year’s registration number has set a new record. 48 participants were chosen by lottery from over 200 participants to join “A Night at the Library,” which spanned two days. The event worked together with a local Kaohsiung theater group, “Happy Bird Story Theater.” The Theater’s professional drama teachers kicked off the event. They played the role of “spiders” from different picture books, opening the event with a beautifully woven web where participants could unleash their wild imagination during the 27-hour reading theater. What’s more, participants also learned a great deal about the library and its resources through treasure hunts and games. 

Late-night exploration of the library marked the highlight of the overnight event. It was a mysterious and thrilling adventure for all participants, creating loads of unforgettable memories. During the 2-day event, participants wove creative dramas based on their readings and performed them in teams, presenting creative balloons and sharing exciting stories in the performance. Participant Cai’s mother told us she was “deeply touched watching the theatrical performance. To hear children sharing the one-night-two-day event is a delightful experience.” Indeed, at the end of the event, children couldn’t wait to share their overnight experiences with their parents. Things they shared with parents included “Before sleeping, we listened to the teacher read English stories," "It was so exciting meeting the night elves in the library," "We walked across the sky bridge to see the bookstore and play high-tech interactive games," "Learning to fold creative balloons was so much fun," and "Mom, we should come back to the library at night to stargaze and see Kaohsiung Harbor."

Participants take a joyful group photo after viewing the Asia Bay area's panoramic view from the library's top floor during the overnight event. 

During the event, participants visit Phalanity Digital Technology Co., Ltd., a 5G AIoT company, experiencing immersive games within the ever-changing web. 

In the pre-bedtime English storytelling time, the teacher tells such a vivid story of “Let’s Scare Bear!” that the children could explore their imagination in a bilingual world.

Children learn to use the library’s resources and search for clues from the bookshelves for their creative projects over the library’s night tour.

KPL’s overnight event collaborates with the local theater group “Happy Bird Story Theater.” Professional theater instructors portray spiders from various classic picture books.

The overnight event collaborates with the National Development Council, integrating bilingual reading into the activities with the rich collection at the International Picture Book Center.

Teachers guide children to look for clues and become familiar with the library.