The 2026 Asia-Pacific Public Library Forum (APPLF 2026) was held in Taichung City, Taiwan (China) on May 14, 2026 under the theme "Strategies, Innovation, and Future of Reading Promotion." The event was hosted by the National Library of Public Information (Taiwan) in collaboration with several major public libraries in Taiwan.
The forum brought together more than 150 participants, including library managers, experts, scholars, and librarians from eight countries and territories across the Asia-Pacific region: Australia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan (China), and Viet Nam. The National Library of Viet Nam sent two representatives to attend and present papers at the Forum.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the APPLF 2026, representatives of Ministry of Education and the National Library of Public Information of Taiwan emphasized the role of libraries as an indicator of a nation’s soft power, and expressed their hope that the forumwould help identify key factors for the transformation of library in a rapidly changing era.
During the plenary session, leading library managers and information professionals shared perspectives on fostering a lifelong reading culture, addressing challenges faced by public libraries in future society, and strengthening trust and transparency in public knowledge institutions.
Overview of the opening session of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Public Library Forum
At four parallel sessions themed "From promotion to inclusion: Reconstructing the vision of universal reading," "Smart transformation in reading: Innovative library practices," "Smart cities and empathic experiences: Constructing a diverse reading ecosystem," and "Reading experience revolution: Igniting new momentum for reading" speakers from across the Asia-Pacific region focused their discussions on the role of public libraries in the context of digital transformation and artificial intelligence, and the development of modern library models that leverage technology as a tool to promote equitable access to knowledge and social inclusion.
Numerous case studies were presented on such topics as AI data applications, robotics, gamified reading, smart library development, and the creation of diverse, community-friendly reading ecosystems. Representative of the National Library of Viet Nam delivered a presentation entitled “From national vision to local impact: Innovations in promoting reading culture through Viet Nam’s public library system.” The presentation introduced Viet Nam’s policies and strategies for developing reading culture, shared practical experiences of the National Library of Viet Nam and the public library system in implementing innovative reading models and activities adapted to digital transformation to foster reading habits and expand community access to knowledge. It also proposed several future directions for reading promotion initiatives.
The forum, held in a hybrid format, combined in-person and online participation, used AI real-time translation services, has facilitated seamless international communication and generated active engagement and positive interactions among attendees.
Building on the success of the inaugural APPLF held in 2024, the APPLF 2026 concluded successfully and achieved its objectives. The forum provided a platform for regional exchange, promoted cooperation, and injected innovative energy into public libraries across the Asia-Pacific region to create an inclusive and forward-looking reading environment.
Photos of the same event:
Overview of the APPLF 2026 Plenary Session
Representative of the National Library of Viet Nam presenting a paper at the forum
International speakers from countries across the Asia-Pacific region
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News: Bui Thuy, Photos: APPLF 2026 Organizing Committee