TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Hualien City Public Library has launched a winter break reading campaign that rewards children with food vouchers when they borrow books.

Keng Sheng Daily News reported Thursday that the campaign runs throughout the winter vacation at children’s and comics libraries, where children aged 12 and under can take part by using their library cards. Each eligible child can receive one food voucher while supplies last.

CNA reported that children who visit the library in person and check out books can receive a voucher for fried chicken or fries donated by local businesses. The campaign aims to encourage children to spend more time reading and make better use of their winter break.

Local sponsor Chao Feng-shan (趙鳳山) said seeing the library’s comic collection brought back memories of reading during his childhood. He said he and his two daughters decided to give back by donating 100 servings each of fried chicken and fries, adding that he plans to return to the library to read again in the future.

Mayor Wei Chia-yen (魏嘉彥) said reading plays a key role in a child’s development and the campaign uses simple incentives to steer them away from screens during the break. He thanked participating businesses for supporting local reading programs.

Library Director Chen Yi-lin (陳怡琳) said winter break is a critical period for building reading habits and the giveaway is designed to motivate children to borrow books on their own. She added that the library will continue working with private partners to create a more welcoming reading environment.

According to the National Central Library’s latest report, library borrowing in Taiwan reached 57.7 million visits and 146.9 million items in 2024. Website resource use also rose more than 13%, indicating that online reading and research are becoming routine parts of daily learning and leisure.

Children remain active readers, with those aged 6–11 ranking second among all age groups at 25.32 million borrowed items. Language and literature account for nearly 68% of their reading choices, reflecting a strong preference for story-based materials.

Preschool children aged 0–5 borrowed 8.83 million items, suggesting sustained engagement in early literacy. Teen readers ages 12–17 recorded a modest rebound in borrowing, signaling a gradual return of reading interest among younger students.