American Corner to Open in Kaohsiung

American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Logo
PR-0959E | Nov. 17, 2009

William Stanton, Director of the American Institute in Taiwan, Taipei Branch, Kaohsiung City Bureau of Cultural Affairs Director Shi Che, Bureau of Education Director Tsai Ching Hwa, and Kaohsiung Public Library Director Shih Chun-fu will open the Kaohsiung “American Corner,” the first American Corner in southern Taiwan, on November 18, 2009.

The Kaohsiung American Corner, located at the Baoju Branch of the Kaohsiung Public Library, features books, pamphlets, and DVDs about American culture and society.  The Corner plays host to American speaker programs and cultural activities, providing an abundant source of information about all things American to the residents of Kaohsiung, as well as a regular English-language storytelling program for young people.  The Corner also 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 Corner grows from the success of the Kaohsiung Baoju “American Shelf,” opened over a year ago.  Recognizing this operation’s resonance with the people of Kaohsiung and the outstanding cooperation from the Kaohsiung Public Library, AIT moved to upgrade it to an “American Corner,” thus joining Taiwan’s other American Corner in Taichung, established in 2006.

393 cities around the world host the growing network of American Corners.  Thanks to the efforts of the Kaohsiung Public Library and Kaohsiung’s popular response to this American library initiative, Kaohsiung now becomes the latest city to join this list.

Some quick facts about the Kaohsiung American Corner:

  • Opening Hours: open to the public during library business hours.
    11:00-19:00, Tuesday and Thursday
    9:00-17:00, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
  • Address: Kaohsiung Public Library Baoju Branch, 4F, No. 468, Dashun 2nd Road, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung 807
  • Phone: 07-395-0813
  • Fax: 07-395-2429
  • Web: http://kaohsiung.americancorner.org.tw/