After having set up a soundproof screaming room last year where stressed-out passengers can unleash their frustrations at a high decibel level, the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp (THSRC) has launched another innovative service — establishing temporary reading areas for parents and children at each of its eight stations where first-rate children’s books can be borrowed free of charge as part of a summer holiday event celebrating the fun of reading. The activity is already underway and will run through the end of next month.
There are approximately 200 notable titles suitable for children under the age of 12 available for borrowing at each station’s reading area, according to THSRC. Decorated with interlocking floor mats, colorful tables and chairs and cute table lamps, each reading area provides a homey reading atmosphere. In order to make borrowing books quick and easy, passengers using the THSRC book-lending service do not have to provide their ID, make deposits or worry about due dates. Based on the notion that “returning what one borrows, it will be easy to borrow again,” it may even help children learn the virtue of being trustworthy.
Passengers can read books at each station’s reading area to kill time while waiting for their train. If time is tight, they can grab a book or two to bring with them on the train and return them at the reading area, or drop them into the book return box, at their destination. After the activity ends, all 1,600 books will be donated to schools in rural areas or non-profit organizations.
Photo: Lin Ya-ti, Taipei Times
照片:台北時報林亞蒂
(Lin Ya-ti, Taipei Times)
繼去年創設「吶喊隔音室」,讓壓力大的乘客,有地方能恣意高分貝發洩後,台灣高鐵公司再度別出心裁,舉辦「高鐵親子閱讀趣」暑期活動,即日起至八月底止,在全線八個車站設置臨時親子圖書閱讀區,提供優良兒童書籍免費借閱服務。
高鐵公司指出,每個車站的閱讀區,各放置約兩百本適合十二歲以下孩童閱讀的優良書籍供借閱。鋪上巧拼地墊,搭配色彩多樣的小桌椅與可愛檯燈的閱讀區,營造出一個溫馨的閱讀環境。為了提供更快速與方便的借閱服務,高鐵借書不需押證件或押金,也不需擔心還書期限。藉由「有閱有還,再閱不難」的觀念,或許還可培養孩童守信的美德。
Photo: Lin Ya-ti, Taipei Times
照片:台北時報林亞蒂
乘客可利用等候列車的空檔至各站閱讀區翻閱,若行程較緊湊,亦可挑選一兩本想看的書籍攜帶上車,至目的站再歸還至該站的閱讀區或投入還書箱。活動結束後,一千六百本書將全數捐贈給偏鄉學校或公益團體。
(台北時報記者林亞蒂)
Photo: Lin Ya-ti, Taipei Times
照片:台北時報林亞蒂
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