Taipei has a great library system. While their collection of English books is small compared to a western library it's very adequate considering where you are. Learning to use the library is invaluable for those heavy readers who don't want to purchase every single book they go through. The library also offers free internet.
Supplies: All you need to get your library card is a good old ARC. If you just want to brouse then you don't need anything at all
Step 1: find the library
The library has many different branches around the city. Click here for the complete list of branches. The main branch is located on Jianguo S. rd. Sec. 2 no 149. The hours are:
| mon-fri |
8:30am - 9:00pm |
| sat-sun |
9:00am - 5:00pm |
closed holidays and the first Thursday of every month |
Step 2: get your card
To check out books you will need to get a library card. To the left of the main entrance is a desk where you will find applications and an attendant. Fill out the application then give it to the attendant along with your ARC. You will have to wait for ten minutes then come back to pick up your card.
Step 3: check out books
English books are on the fifth floor. You can check out five books at a time for one month at a time. The check out is on the first floor right next to where you applied for the library card. Press the English button on the monitor, put your card on the sensor pad, then put each book that you want to check out on the sensor pad. When finished press the checkout button. The sensors at the door wont let you exit with books that haven't been checked out.
Step 4: internet
The libraray does offer free, but slow, internet service. If you have a laptop with a wireless connection you can connect anywhere in the library for free. On the first floor there are computers where you can signup to use the internet. Usually the computers are being used and you will have to sign up at the front dest to use one.
