Taoyuan library honors Chiung Yao with book exhibition

TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — The Taoyuan Public Library (TPL, 桃園市立圖書館) has launched a thematic book exhibition to honor the late Taiwan-based romance novelist Chiung Yao (瓊瑤), drawing significant public interest. The exhibition will continue through Jan. 31, 2025, across the main library and its branches.

Chiung Yao (瓊瑤), also a TV drama producer, died by suicide at her Tamsui residence on Dec. 4 at the age of 86, leaving a profound impact on many. Since Dec. 5, the library has loaned out 179 copies of her works, averaging 16 per day.

The exhibition spans various locations, including Taoyuan District, Guishan, Xinwu, Guanyin, Daxi, Zhongli, Luzhu, Bade, Longtan, Yangmei, Dayuan, and Pingzhen, and features 934 of her books. According to the library, the initiative aims to help readers revisit her classic works and rekindle memories of her literary contributions.

Beyond her novels, the exhibition showcases her ventures into film and television, allowing audiences to experience her influence across literature and visual media. This comprehensive display underscores her impact on cultural and media landscapes.

Reports highlight her prolific career, with 65 works, many of which were adapted into films and TV dramas. Alongside her late husband, Ping Hsin-tao (平鑫濤), the founder of Crown Magazine (皇冠出版), she created the "Chiung Yao economy," estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars.



>>> If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 1995 to reach the Suicide Prevention Line. You can also call the Peace of Mind Line, under the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW ), at 1925, or the Teacher Chang Foundation at 1980 for additional resources.