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Award-winning novel drives e-book surge at New Taipei City Library

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The novel 'Taiwan Travelogue' by Taiwanese author Yang Shuang-tzu, translated by Jin Ling, won the UK International Booker Prize.
  • Following the award, the Chinese version of the book has seen a surge in demand, topping electronic book charts at the New Taipei City Library.
  • The library reports a nearly 80% increase in e-book borrowing over the past three years, highlighting the growing trend of digital reading among citizens.

The success of Taiwanese author Yang Shuang-tzu's novel 'Taiwan Travelogue' (translated by Jin Ling) in winning the UK International Booker Prize has significantly boosted interest in the book. The Chinese edition has garnered over 2,000 reservations at the New Taipei City Library and has claimed the top spot on the library's popular e-book rankings.

My reservation number is 1915th.

— Wu Chia-shanIllustrating the high demand for the book 'Taiwan Travelogue' after its award win.

New Taipei City Library Director Wu Chia-shan highlighted the growing demand for digital reading, noting that e-book and e-magazine borrowing reached approximately 2.74 million instances and 3.24 million volumes last year. Over the past three years, e-book borrowing has surged by nearly 80%, with volume growth exceeding 30%, indicating that digital reading is becoming a primary method for citizens.

"My reservation number is 1915th," Wu Chia-shan shared, illustrating the intense demand for 'Taiwan Travelogue.' She observed that the International Booker Prize win has prompted numerous readers to inquire about the book, not only its physical copies but also its availability as an e-book. The library currently offers 66 physical copies and provides immediate online access to the e-book version.

The International Booker Prize win has brought attention and inquiries from many readers. Not only physical copies but also e-book borrowing methods have been actively asked about.

— Wu Chia-shanDescribing the impact of the award on library services and reader interest.

Wu Chia-shan also praised the convenience of e-books, which she uses during fragmented moments like commuting or waiting for meetings. She noted features like annotation and the ability to resume reading seamlessly. While she enjoys physical books at home, she acknowledges the rise of digital reading. The library continues to expand its digital resources, acquiring new databases and thousands of e-book titles annually, while also securing funding for further expansion.

The biggest advantage of e-books is convenience. I often use fragmented time to read e-books, like when taking the MRT or waiting for a meeting.

— Wu Chia-shanSharing her personal experience and preference for e-book reading.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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