TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The construction of a new public library in Hsinchu County has been put out to tender as the northern Taiwan municipality works to build a new landmark and recreational venue.

With a budget of NT$816 million (US$29.3 million), the cultural facility was designed by the Taoyuan-based Guan Hui-yu (關惠尤) architects’ studio. The Hakka-style library will have four floors above ground and two basement floors as well as a courtyard teeming with lush greenery.

It takes up an area of 13,069 square meters and has a collection of 500,000 books. Not only does the institution cater to the reading needs of all age groups, but it also has a multi-purpose hall for hosting exhibitions and performances, according to the Hsinchu County Government.

The library, which will be located next to Shuizhen Forest Park, is to take a central role in the “green corridor” of Zhubei City, which is known for its cluster of tech parks. Hsinchu County will break ground on the project by the end of this month if all goes well, with the library slated to be completed by 2023.

Design for new library in Hsinchu County. (Hsinchu County image)