- The MOU signing ceremony for KPL and AIT Kaohsiung Branch was held on September 20 at the American Center in Taiwan of the Heti Branch Library. On the right is KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee, and on the left is AIT Kaohsiung Branch Chief Neil H. Gibson.
- The MOU signing between KPL and AIT Kaohsiung Branch demonstrates their commitment to realizing their shared vision of promoting cultural exchange and creating more learning opportunities.
【Kaohsiung】On September 20, the Kaohsiung Public Library (KPL) signed a MOU with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) - Kaohsiung Branch. The MOU signing ceremony was held at American Corner in Taiwan in the Heti Branch Library. The MOU signifies a new beginning for deeper collaborations in cultural promotion, providing reading experiences and various sectors in community development. One of the highlights of KPL and AIT Kaohsiung Branch’s cooperation is the 10th-anniversary celebration of American Corner in Taiwan’s establishment in the Heti Branch Library, further consolidating both parties’ commitment to promoting diverse cultural exchange, education, and learning.
Storytelling for Children
For the first time, AIT Kaohsiung Branch Chief Neil H. Gibson held a storytelling session with Heti Primary School Students during the signing ceremony. Having stories told in English sparked the students’ interest in reading. All the participants were immersed in the charm and warmth of a story that transcend language barriers. In addition to giving the students and guests a taste of happiness gained from reading, the storytelling activity further strengthens the community’s cultural exchange and identity.
Cultural Development for a Better Future
“Signing the MOU is the next step in strengthening collaboration between both parties,” said KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee. “The MOU does not simply represent our cooperative efforts in language and skills and our common vision for cultural exchange and reading experiences.” Director Lee emphasized the importance of cultural integration and sharing in breaking through age barriers and geographical limitations while inspiring passion for learning and exploration, both of which are also the core motivations for the cooperation between KPL and the AIT Kaohsiung Branch.
Commemorating the Past and Strengthening Future Collaborations
In 2008, the KPL Baoju Branch Library established the American Shelves. As citizens’ interest and passion grew, the American Shelves were officially expanded, eventually becoming the American Corner in Taiwan in 2009, the first to be established.
With the interest of expanding the scope of its services and providing a high-quality reading environment and services for readers, AIT proceeded to re-establish the Corner at the KPL Heti Branch Library, marking the beginning of a long-term cooperation. The new MOU will enlarge the scope of both parties’ collaborations to include more diverse programs, such as reading promotion, activities surrounding American culture, workshops, English learning, and skills training.
Moving Forward Together to Encourage Cultural Exchange for Citizens of All Ages
KPL and the AIT Kaohsiung Branch’s collaboration will not be limited to only reading and borrowing books or sharing information. Still, they will also focus on enriching cultural exchange, learning opportunities, and interaction between citizens of all ages. Numerous cultural activities are planned and organized annually, including storytelling sessions, workshops, and family activities. These events aim to encourage interaction between community members while strengthening the connection between learning and cultural experience.
From English learning to skills training, future collaborations between the KPL Heti Branch Library and the AIT Kaohsiung Branch will bring more prosperous and diverse learning opportunities open to children and adults, providing more excellent resources and services for citizens.
From Reading to Food, Encouraging Cultural Integration
The American Corner in Taiwan is holding the “Milk Tea and Milk Shake: The Best of American and Taiwanese Dietary Cultures” book exhibition to strengthen citizens' cultural interaction, understanding, and tolerance. The exhibition showcases the U.S. and Taiwan's characteristic cuisines, building a bridge that links the two different cultures through reading and food. In addition to providing information on unique cuisines and beverages from the U.S. and Taiwan through reading materials, the book exhibition also presents an opportunity to deepen and broaden the process of cultural exchange.
According to Chief Neil H. Gibson of the AIT Kaohsiung Branch, the MOU signing ceremony acknowledges the achievements of the past decade while signifying a brighter future for future collaborations between both parties. He expressed his wish for both institutions to advance together and continue bringing innovations to Kaohsiung citizens. Their partnership should provide more prosperous and meaningful cultural experiences while enhancing the relationship between citizens of both the U.S. and Taiwan.
KPL and AIT Kaohsiung Branch’s signing of the new MOU demonstrates both parties’ commitment to realizing their shared vision of promoting cultural exchange and creating new learning opportunities. Both parties hope for greater results from their future collaborations, enriching society through knowledge and strength that supports diversity and tolerance among people. As their cooperation deepens, KPL and AIT Kaohsiung Branch will continue working together, creating more prosperous and diverse cultural experiences and learning platforms.
Further reading
/- Share
- Updated2024-12-25 AM 11:43:51