By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — Kaohsiung Public Library reported strong results from its citywide reading incentive program last year, with residents borrowing a total of 19.37 million books and redeeming nearly 20,000 prizes through the campaign.
The program, titled “Read More, Get Rewards,” was launched to encourage consistent reading habits among residents. Under the scheme, borrowers earned one point for every five books checked out, which could later be exchanged for prizes. The initiative combined seasonal reward redemptions with three rounds of online prize draws, boosting public participation.
The City Library said it plans to continue the campaign in 2026, inviting residents to stay engaged and make reading a more natural and long-term part of daily life.
Library officials said the campaign ran from February through the end of December 2025, with different prize options offered each season. Readers were able to redeem accumulated points during designated periods, with each participant allowed to exchange up to two prizes per visit. Online lucky draws were also introduced to add anticipation and incentives for participants planning their reading lists.
The 2025 program brought together approximately nine corporate partners, along with support from various city government departments. Prize categories ranged from family leisure activities and cultural events to sports tickets and stationery, extending the benefits of reading into everyday life.
Library Director Li Chin-yang (李金鴦) said reading forms the foundation of knowledge-building and critical thinking. She noted the library designed the program to be simple and accessible, encouraging residents to “borrow more books, read more, and visit libraries more often.”
Li added that the program’s continued success depended on cooperation from corporate partners and city agencies. She observed that many readers treated point collection as a personal reading goal, while children were especially motivated by exchanging points for practical school supplies.
Source: China Times
