Kaohsiung Main Public Library
Kaohsiung Main Public Library
4.5
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4.5
441 reviews
Excellent
265
Very good
144
Average
24
Poor
4
Terrible
4
jennycjiang
Los Angeles, CA36 contributions
Sept 2016 • Solo
I judge most cities I visit by the quality of their libraries, and I am so impressed by Kaoshiung's new central library!
This library is so thoughtfully designed. It's a great space for research, learning, and studying for people of all ages.
I love the fact that they've incorporated lush green landscaping in the terrace on each floor and constructed a roof-top garden so that people have a nice place to take a break from studying and working indoors.
While there are plenty of desks (though not all of them have electric outlets) and places to sit, the library can get crowded on the weekends. But I found it to be a very comfortable place conducive to getting a lot of work done.
For English speakers, there is section on the fifth floor with a good selection of English fiction books, including some bestsellers in paperback.
I also appreciate that the library contains three cafes - Hanlin Tea Room, Hokkaido Pizza, and Lab Library - where people could meet and socialize or take a break from their studies or work.
During my stay, I was a frequent patron of the Lab Library. It's a bit pricier than other cafes nearby but the staff members were always polite, and you could take your time sipping coffee (which were always excellent) or munching on a sandwich while you read or chat with others. I got a lot of writing done at the Lab thanks to their iced Americanos and paninis!
This library is so thoughtfully designed. It's a great space for research, learning, and studying for people of all ages.
I love the fact that they've incorporated lush green landscaping in the terrace on each floor and constructed a roof-top garden so that people have a nice place to take a break from studying and working indoors.
While there are plenty of desks (though not all of them have electric outlets) and places to sit, the library can get crowded on the weekends. But I found it to be a very comfortable place conducive to getting a lot of work done.
For English speakers, there is section on the fifth floor with a good selection of English fiction books, including some bestsellers in paperback.
I also appreciate that the library contains three cafes - Hanlin Tea Room, Hokkaido Pizza, and Lab Library - where people could meet and socialize or take a break from their studies or work.
During my stay, I was a frequent patron of the Lab Library. It's a bit pricier than other cafes nearby but the staff members were always polite, and you could take your time sipping coffee (which were always excellent) or munching on a sandwich while you read or chat with others. I got a lot of writing done at the Lab thanks to their iced Americanos and paninis!
Written 8 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CXALEX1113
Hong Kong, China44 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
The library is a modern style building, is actually attractive for tourist to have a rest. The top floor is a platform, I can see great view of the harbour, Tower 85, Kaohsiung World Trade Center, Singuang Ferry Wharf etc. This is good view point for tourist to take photos. If you like to see buildings in Kaohsiung, you should go to there.
Written 4 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PoppyPotatoe
Singapore, Singapore183 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
Even the 85 sky tower doesn't lit up like the Kaohsiung Main Public Library at night! It was just next to where I was staying and I did not realise this is the public library till the following morning - just stunning at night!
I visited the next day and it was awesome. The only pity thing is no English books. But that 5-6 storeys of books and spacious study/working area are just amazing, so conducive and quiet. I would totally spend half a day here next time to chill, read a book and drink at the cafe!
I visited the next day and it was awesome. The only pity thing is no English books. But that 5-6 storeys of books and spacious study/working area are just amazing, so conducive and quiet. I would totally spend half a day here next time to chill, read a book and drink at the cafe!
Written 27 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
katherinec573
Springfield, MA607 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
If you travel under a budget, this is a great attraction to visit in Kaohsiung, free Wi Fi and clean bathrooms. After a brief break, you can walk to nearby Ikea or Costco to get a cup of coffee or soup.
Written 17 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
foodieNYC-c
New York City, NY34 contributions
Jan 2016
A green library. Here are the impressive features about this library.
- It is a green building using the suspension technique that bridges are built. After the four pillars* were built, the 8 floors were built from top to the bottom. With no additional columns, the floors looked more spacious. *Inside each pillar – elevators, rest area, food, and I forgot the 4th one.
- The rooftop, has a stage area for performance, beautiful landscaping, nice views of Kaohsiung Harbor and the new Exhibition Center. All the rain waters are collected for the building usage.
- All the balconies were planted trees to help absorb the heat in southern Taiwan.
- There is a “Tree Chamber” from floors 8 to 6, in the center of the building, surrounded by glass; there are trees and benches. The purpose is to utilize the natural light for the floors, and the trees help lower the heat from outdoors. The trees were carefully selected*.
*Many thoughts went into the selection process - (i) The trees have to be able to sustain the hot weather in southern Taiwan. Hence, a local tree type was selected. (ii) The trees’ leafs are small, so that not to create too much shade and block the sunlight. (iii) The roots cannot grow too much to cause damage to the building.
- To overcome the insufficient budget, there were three floors named by three big sponsors*, and the rest of books were donated by people. And people made the goal of one-million-book collection possible!
* one sponsor made the big donation because he could not attend higher education due family financial strain. Now a successful franchise CEO, he made the donation hoping that other people can have easy access to books regardless their families financial situation.
- There are two sculptures and the walls and rocks; all are made of recycled books. One of Da Vinci; one of Bodhidharma. What a brilliant idea!
- Every floor is of similar layout, ( except the 8th floor, administration area and another multi media floor) - rows of bookshelf, desks, chairs, sofas… many students simply sat or lay on the floors. A very relaxing study place.
We were on a guided tour. Not sure if this service is opened to public, though. The library guide was knowledgeable, informative, amiable, and enthusiastic. Toward the end, he told us, this library has made people of Kaohsiung so proud, along with so many new developments under Mayor Chen Chu , that has made people want to come back to this city to work for a better future together. I told him, ‘most importantly, it is people like you that has made us hopeful of Kaohisung’s and Taiwan’s future.
Highly recommend this library when one visits Kaohsiung. It is about 15 mins walk from the nearest MRT station.
- It is a green building using the suspension technique that bridges are built. After the four pillars* were built, the 8 floors were built from top to the bottom. With no additional columns, the floors looked more spacious. *Inside each pillar – elevators, rest area, food, and I forgot the 4th one.
- The rooftop, has a stage area for performance, beautiful landscaping, nice views of Kaohsiung Harbor and the new Exhibition Center. All the rain waters are collected for the building usage.
- All the balconies were planted trees to help absorb the heat in southern Taiwan.
- There is a “Tree Chamber” from floors 8 to 6, in the center of the building, surrounded by glass; there are trees and benches. The purpose is to utilize the natural light for the floors, and the trees help lower the heat from outdoors. The trees were carefully selected*.
*Many thoughts went into the selection process - (i) The trees have to be able to sustain the hot weather in southern Taiwan. Hence, a local tree type was selected. (ii) The trees’ leafs are small, so that not to create too much shade and block the sunlight. (iii) The roots cannot grow too much to cause damage to the building.
- To overcome the insufficient budget, there were three floors named by three big sponsors*, and the rest of books were donated by people. And people made the goal of one-million-book collection possible!
* one sponsor made the big donation because he could not attend higher education due family financial strain. Now a successful franchise CEO, he made the donation hoping that other people can have easy access to books regardless their families financial situation.
- There are two sculptures and the walls and rocks; all are made of recycled books. One of Da Vinci; one of Bodhidharma. What a brilliant idea!
- Every floor is of similar layout, ( except the 8th floor, administration area and another multi media floor) - rows of bookshelf, desks, chairs, sofas… many students simply sat or lay on the floors. A very relaxing study place.
We were on a guided tour. Not sure if this service is opened to public, though. The library guide was knowledgeable, informative, amiable, and enthusiastic. Toward the end, he told us, this library has made people of Kaohsiung so proud, along with so many new developments under Mayor Chen Chu , that has made people want to come back to this city to work for a better future together. I told him, ‘most importantly, it is people like you that has made us hopeful of Kaohisung’s and Taiwan’s future.
Highly recommend this library when one visits Kaohsiung. It is about 15 mins walk from the nearest MRT station.
Written 22 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Williamiris
Kaohsiung, Taiwan5 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
At night is the best time to. View when the library is ablaze with blue lights don't miss the rooftop garden great place to take in the views especially the sunsets the library its self would be one of the best around with its layout and product except for its lack of new English books for the large. Numbers. Of students trying to study and learn English a few million in Taiwan and those who go overseas to learn English language schools are big business in Kaohsiung
Written 30 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ren-Chi2013
Taichung, Taiwan7 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
新的高雄圖書館在三多商圈,離85大樓或三多捷運站不遠. 房子本身就是亮點,像是有大樹從房子中往上長出枝幹,館內的樓梯採天井螺旋型蜿蜒上去,如同樹枝的樣貌,加上大片玻璃帷幕採光一流.
The buildiing itself is already a must-see. It's like a tree planted inside the house. The indoor stairs spiralling all the way up like branches. Leaving the place with a nice natural sun light. On the roof floor, there's a large open garden with great view of the city and the harbour. A light rail train station is also in front of the library. I didn't have time to sit down and enjoy reading. But I bet their Chinese books collection is not bad. There are some places to have food or drink on their second floor. Do go there when the lights are on. It looks like a shiny gift box waited to be open. The library is easily reached by taking the metro to San Dou station and a short walk.
The buildiing itself is already a must-see. It's like a tree planted inside the house. The indoor stairs spiralling all the way up like branches. Leaving the place with a nice natural sun light. On the roof floor, there's a large open garden with great view of the city and the harbour. A light rail train station is also in front of the library. I didn't have time to sit down and enjoy reading. But I bet their Chinese books collection is not bad. There are some places to have food or drink on their second floor. Do go there when the lights are on. It looks like a shiny gift box waited to be open. The library is easily reached by taking the metro to San Dou station and a short walk.
Written 16 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hiroshi317
Yokohama, Japan338 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
I found this library because it’s illuminated so beautiful.
This library has 5th floor and theater on the top floor.
Well designed for visitors、easy to find categories. many desks, clean and quiet.
And open until 22 o’clock midnight.
Kaohsiung residents are happy to have such excellent library.
This library has 5th floor and theater on the top floor.
Well designed for visitors、easy to find categories. many desks, clean and quiet.
And open until 22 o’clock midnight.
Kaohsiung residents are happy to have such excellent library.
Written 10 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CrystinePolk
Kaohsiung, Taiwan53 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
This is a beautiful library, contemporary design and super cool rooftop deck you can hang out on. Even if you are not into books I would say this is a great place to visit. They have a nice restaurant you can have a meal or a smoothie and get a break from the heat. The view from the rooftop is amazing I want to go back in the evening to see the city lights.
Written 11 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Belle N
Hornsby, Australia615 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
The Kaohsiung Main Public Library is located opposite to the 85 Tower accessible via Sanduo Shopping District Station. There's a roof top garden great for taking Kaohsiung skyline.
Written 1 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glorydine Guarin
Copenhagen, Denmark
Because it's holiday today. We would like to come in.
Written 9 June 2016
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