AIT Unveils First "American Shelf" in Kaohsiung

PR0844E | Date: 2008-07-08

Director Stephen M. Young of the American Institute in Taiwan, Kaohsiung Vice Mayor Chiu Tai-shan, and Kaohsiung Public Library Director Shih Chun-fu will open Taiwan's first "American Shelf" in Kaohsiung on July 9, 2008.

Located in the Baoju Branch of the Kaohsiung Public Library, the American Shelf aims to foster mutual understanding between the people of Taiwan and the United States.  The Shelf introduces users to American society and culture via its collection of books, pamphlets, and DVDs covering topics on American culture and society, American history, and travel to the USA, and through various speaker and cultural activities. Additionally, it features an online student advising program which connects students in Kaohsiung with advisors in Taipei who can answer questions about study in the U.S.

The American Shelf in Kaohsiung is a partnership between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Kaohsiung Public Library.  "This is representative of the long tradition of friendship and understanding between the United States and Taiwan," said Chris Castro, Chief of the Kaohsiung Branch Office of the American Institute in Taiwan.  "Since 2000, over 400 cities around the world have become part of the growing network of American Shelves and American Corners. Thanks to the efforts of the Kaohsiung Public Library and the support of our friends in Kaohsiung, the Kaohsiung American Shelf will be the latest addition to this network."

Some quick facts about the American Shelf:

• Opening Hours: open to the public during library business hours.
• Address: Kaohsiung Public Library Baoju Branch, 4F, No. 468, Dashun 2nd Road, Sanmin District, Kaohsiugn 807
• Phone: 07-395-0813
• Fax: 07-395-2429
• Web: http://www.americancorner.org.tw/