Page 64 - Why Taipei Matters

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Hidden Pages
and Sound Stages

Little Libraries, Big Ideas

Reading is a gateway to empathy, and Taipei's independent
bookstores reflect the city's intellectual curiosity and diversity.
Whether rooted in local narratives, social movements, or niche
arts, each store has a unique character.

Kuo's Astral Bookshop 郭怡美書店
Located in Taipei’s historic Dadaocheng area, Kuo's Astral
Bookstore is housed in a century-old building on Dihua Street,
originally constructed in 1922. Once home to a food trading
company, the space has since been transformed into a vibrant
cultural venue. Today, Kuo's Astral Bookshop brings together
a thoughtfully curated selection of books, a cozy café, and
rotating art exhibitions—breathing new life and cultural energy
into the historic space.

TouatBooks 左轉有書
Once a military detention center during Taiwan’s Martial
Law era, TouatBooks has been transformed into a cultural
space that brings together a bookstore, café, and art
exhibition area. With a focus on curating books around
pressing social issues, the bookstore also hosts regular talks
and discussions, inviting experts and readers to engage in
thoughtful conversation.