Queens Public Library Installs Taiwan Book Corners at Forest Hills, Flushing and Bayside Branches

The books will remain on display throughout May in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

QUEENS, NY_Queens Public Library will mark Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with the temporary installation of three Taiwan Book Corners – small displays with about 12 traditional Chinese novels, graphic novels, and children’s books as well as English translations of each – at the Bayside, Flushing and Forest Hills branches through the end of May. In addition, Forest Hills Library, at 108-19 71st Avenue, will celebrate the installation of its Taiwan Book Corner with conversations about two of the featured books on Thursday, May 9, from 5 to 6:30 PM.

Taiwanese writer Shih Shu-Ching, a prominent cultural figure in Taiwan and Hong Kong who now lives in New York, will discuss Taiwan Trilogy, her renowned telling of Taiwan’s history from the 1820s to 1947. The conversation will be conducted in Mandarin, and interpreted into English.

Following her talk, translator Lin King will discuss The Boy from Clearwater, a graphic novel depicting the story of human rights activist Tsai Kun-lin (1930-2023) alongside Taiwan’s modern history. Lin will share insights into the moving narrative, stunning artwork, and her translation process. This portion of the program will be presented in English. 

All of the books featured in the book corners were originally published in Taiwan, and encompass a variety of themes, such as women, LGBTQ+, Taiwan’s history and culture, and more. The displays were created in partnership with the Taipei Cultural Center in New York, which is part of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO). All of the books will be integrated into the branches’ Chinese language collections.

WHAT:          “Taiwan Book Corners” inauguration featuring conversations with writer Shih Shu-Ching and translator Lin King

WHEN:          Thursday, May 9, 5-6:30 PM

WHERE:       Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71st Avenue, Forest Hills, NY 11375

WHO:            Nick Buron, QPL Chief Librarian

                      Lishan Chang, TECO Deputy Director General

CONTACT: Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, ekern@queenslibrary.org