Libraries Working to Realize UN SDG10 - Reduced Inequalities - Taipei Public Library Experience

Shezidao is the remotest district in Taipei City. Although persistent flooding led to several decades with no construction and development, a population of 10,000 still lives in this rundown settlement. In 2018, Taipei Public Library opened its most advanced Shezidao Intelligent Library in the area. In this facility, books are managed using RFID chips which remove the need for resident librarian services. Readers use automated book borrowing/returning machines and pick up reserved books themselves. In addition, users can select a book online from any of the 8 million volumes at 56 branch libraries throughout the city and then, through the book transfer system, it will arrive at Shezidao within seven days. Establishing the library in this disadvantaged area provides residents with an extremely convenient information provision service, reducing the inequality in access to information that has existed for many years. Because fewer resources and opportunities for learning are available in this area relative to the city center, Taipei Public Library holds English story-telling events on weekends/holidays to encourage children to read. At these events, volunteers read English picture books to children as a way of enhancing the learning environment and helping to reduce the urban-rural educational divide. This ensures everyone has the equal access to books and promotes the cause of information fairness.