Though our school library is small, with an area of less than 200 ping, it’s full of clever design touches. The entrance is themed around the idea that "It takes ten years to grow a tree, but a hundred years to nurture a person." The pillars on both sides are designed to look like trees, with black trunks covered in chalkboard paint. Inspired by the trend of street art among young people today, we invited talented student artists to become Resident Artists. They can choose their favorite literary quotes and use them as themes for creating colorful artwork on the pillars, giving students the freedom to express themselves. This unique blend of reading and art not only enhances the library’s atmosphere but also encourages more students to visit.

Additionally, the lower part of the pillars is designed as trapezoidal display platforms and storage cabinets. The top part showcases students’ award-winning works from various competitions, while the bottom part stores old newspapers and magazines. This allows faculty, students, and community members to admire the students' creations, which is a great honor for the artists. The upper part of the pillars features a bright green tree canopy with blue LED light strips embedded in it, contrasting boldly with the adjacent black industrial-style ceiling and bright orange grille design. This creates a space that is both calming and lively, offering a sense of wonder as soon as you step into the library.

Building on the theme of "Ten years to grow a tree, a hundred years to nurture a person," the right side of the library entrance features a striking installation of 51 flying books, suspended from the ceiling. These books are arranged in a V-shape, starting from the honeycomb-patterned ceiling inside the library, symbolizing the school as a hive that nurtures talent. The installation embodies our hope that, after three years of growth, our students will soar on the wings of knowledge and connect with the wider world.

Each of the 51 books in the installation is part of our library's collection and comes from a list of teacher-recommended reads. We scanned the covers of these books and attached them to acrylic boxes shaped like books, which are suspended from the ceiling. As students enter the library and look up, they can easily find books from the recommended list—a simple yet creative way to inspire reading. The number "51" represents the idea that if students read 17 books per year, or one book every two weeks, they will complete the recommended list over their three years at school.

To enhance the sense of space and keep renovation costs low, the entire ceiling is painted black and crisscrossed with bright orange trusses. This bold design choice creates the illusion of a larger space. On the west side, we’ve transformed the book wall with a large-scale photo of bookshelves taken at a famous bookstore. This image covers the entire wall, extending up to the curved ceiling, and when lit by track lighting, it creates a grand and immersive visual experience.

The circulation desk is where the library has the most interaction with readers, so we intentionally designed it with a lower height to create a more welcoming and approachable feel. However, with limited space and a significant increase in new acquisitions, we quickly found ourselves running out of room. Moreover, the popularity of electronic databases in recent years has led to a decline in the borrowing of large volumes like hardcover books and encyclopedias.

To solve this space issue, we worked closely with a designer and took inspiration from the Kaohsiung City Library, making some modifications to suit our needs. We transformed the outward-facing cabinets beneath the circulation desk into display cases with reinforced glass, while the inner side was fitted with doors for access. This allows us to store beautifully bound, historically significant, but seldom-used books inside, illuminated with elegant lighting. This clever design turns the circulation desk into a rare book repository that also serves as a decorative and eye-catching display.

If a reader wishes to borrow one of these special books, staff can easily retrieve it from the cabinet. This practical yet creative solution has earned plenty of admiration from visitors, making it one of the standout features of our library.

As a technical vocational school, we wanted the library's design to reflect a modern industrial aesthetic. We worked closely with the designer to ensure that every detail—from the layout and lighting to the choice of furniture, paint colors, and flooring—was carefully considered. The goal was to create a warm, inviting reading space with an artistic vibe while also being environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. Here’s how we achieved that:

1. Lighting: We selected stylish desk lamps that often get mistaken for Dyson bladeless fans. When turned on, they provide bright white light perfect for reading; when closed, they emit a cozy yellow glow, doubling as both reading lamps and mood lighting. They also make attractive decor pieces. For the ceiling, we used industrial-style LED tube lights that are both energy-efficient and seamlessly blend with the overall design.

2. Furniture: To match the industrial theme, we chose wood-grain surfaces for the conference and long tables. These surfaces are not only easy to clean but also complement the overall color scheme. We moved away from the standard rectangular tables, opting instead for wavy, curved designs. Each table can be arranged in different configurations, adding a playful and dynamic touch. The chairs and stools feature solid wood paired with iron pipe frames, offering both comfort and a chic industrial look.

3. New Arrivals and Librarian’s Picks: We designed custom moldings paired with special movable acrylic display racks, allowing for flexible and dynamic displays. New arrivals and the librarian’s picks can be rotated and showcased with the help of overhead spotlights, creating a visually striking effect, much like the displays at Eslite Bookstore.

To maximize the use of every inch of space, we put a lot of creative effort into the design, even turning the pillar walls into functional features. Besides the two entrance pillars that symbolize the "Ten years to grow a tree" theme, the third pillar on the right side of the library has been transformed into an exhibition space. It features acrylic poster frames on all sides and a round display table topped with an acrylic case, embodying the concept of turning the library into a mini-museum.

The exhibits are regularly rotated, and currently, we’re showcasing rare items from the library's historical collection, including thread-bound books and 8mm film reels. Informative posters explain the origins of these thread-bound books and the history of 8mm film, giving students, faculty, and visitors a chance to learn interesting facts about bookbinding and other related topics. This adds an extra layer of discovery and surprise to the library experience, beyond just reading.

The second floor of the library used to house the old school history museum, but due to poor layout and outdated facilities, it had been sitting unused for years, eventually becoming a storage space. With new funding, we’ve completely revamped the area, drawing inspiration from professional exhibition spaces. The redesign features a sophisticated dark color palette, complemented by bright, modern tables, chairs, and display cabinets of varying heights. We've also installed state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, including a sound system, projector, and motorized screen, making the space versatile for workshops, study sessions, and community events. Local organizations can also apply to use the space for exhibitions and performances.

To strengthen ties with the local community and deepen their connection to the school’s history, we’ve turned the former school museum’s artifacts into a permanent exhibit. The surrounding walls showcase large-format prints of nostalgic historical photos and a brief history of the school. This not only invites the public to engage with cultural and artistic activities but also serves as a way to promote the school and its rich heritage.

Our students, guided by their dedicated teachers, have consistently excelled in essay competitions and reading reflection contests, thanks to the rich resources provided by our library. To further support students in developing strong writing skills, the library regularly organizes "Essay Writing Workshops." These workshops feature expert instructors who offer in-depth guidance on the essentials of essay writing, including critical tips and the effective use of available resources. Additionally, the library provides comprehensive handouts on proper essay formatting, ensuring that students' submissions align with competition standards and enhancing their potential for success.

Reading Promotion Event: "Christmas Month - Love, Read, Share"

Background: To encourage a culture of reading among both students and staff, and to increase the use of the library, we are hosting a special event in conjunction with the festive Christmas season. This activity aims to create a joyful holiday atmosphere in the library, drawing students in and reminding them to share love and gratitude through the gift of reading as the year comes to an end.

Objectives:

1. Encourage students to explore and read a wide variety of books.

2. Foster a reading culture among both staff and students.

3. Increase awareness and understanding of sex education and AIDS education among the school community.

Event Details: "Read and Share" Raffle: During the event period, any two people who visit the library together and each borrow two books will be eligible to enter a raffle. There is no limit to the number of entries, and the event will continue until all prizes have been given away. All students and staff are welcome to participate.

The library is expanding its activities beyond the confines of the campus, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Through our "Community Exploration" program, students are invited to step out of the school environment and delve into their local community. This initiative transforms travel from merely sightseeing into a meaningful journey of exploration, learning, and active participation. By organizing these local exploration activities, the library aims to deepen students' understanding and appreciation of their heritage, while also promoting the effective use of library resources to enhance their information literacy.

Become a Resident Artist at Our Library!

Are you passionate about art? Our library is offering a unique opportunity for students to showcase their creative talents. If you're interested, you can apply to become a Resident Artist. As a Resident Artist, you'll have the chance to create original chalk art within the library, leaving a lasting impression for everyone to enjoy.

Successful applicants will receive a certificate recognizing their artistic contribution. Don't miss this opportunity to make your mark—apply today and let your creativity flourish!

成為圖書館的駐館藝術家！

您對藝術充滿熱情嗎？我們的圖書館提供了一個獨特的機會，讓學生展示他們的創意才華。如果您有興趣，歡迎申請成為駐館藝術家。作為駐館藝術家，您將有機會在圖書館內創作原創的粉筆藝術，為大家留下深刻的印象。

成功申請者將獲得證書，以表彰他們的藝術貢獻。不要錯過這個展現才華的機會——立即申請，讓您的創意綻放光芒吧！