The library is home to the city's cultural heritage, modern art, music, films and more than a million books and is equipped with the latest technologies. Its most noticeable feature is its inverted-steps-shape; slender columns support the cantilevers in rhythmically placed quartets, giving a feeling of weaving your way through a modern bamboo forest.
The striking crown of the building is surrounded by vertical aluminium slats with carved flower patterns, which are reminiscent of the decorative latticed windows in the old town. These slats filter the light and keep the heat out. In the evening, this unique facade is recognisable from afar. The stepped building offers shelter to visitors both inside and outside and creates a smooth transition from exterior and interior.
Below the cantilevers are four sunken patios for outdoor activities, with the largest accessible from the square; lectures, concerts and exhibitions can be organised here. Looking up, visitors can see the special finish of the awnings; champagne-coloured aluminium panels with a linear staggered relief, providing additional decorative elements to the facades. The way the library was constructed permits maximum flexibility to adapt to future alterations, so that the building is prepared for any unforeseen changes.
Once inside, the double height atrium is inhabited with a work of art by Paul Cocksedge. The installation seems to freeze the moment when white sheets of paper are blown away by the wind. Art is exhibited everywhere in the building, not just to look at but also interactive art to touch and play with.
A red sculptural staircase adds an exciting element to the geometric building, intersecting all levels and is visible everywhere through the subtle wooden-slatted flight of stairs.
The ground floor is spacious, transparent and warm due to the wood finish. Upon entry, visitors are greeted by an arrivals area and the welcome desk, a living room is also located here where people can read newspapers and magazines. Touchscreens with which guests can explore the collection and a self-service point for borrowing books also feature on this level. The children's library with imaginative bookcases and an adjoining patio under the awning for outdoor play is situated below.
As visitors make their way to the upper levels of the building, they first encounter a media library with seating and alcoves where they can watch movies, along with a library for teenagers with its own lounge. The general collection is located on the level above this. Beyond there is a floor dedicated to the heritage collection including the Tainan Memorial Exhibition, Japanese Collection Archive and books by Taiwanese authors.
There are also four outdoor areas situated here, which are arranged as roof gardens, as well as three multifunctional spaces for classrooms and workshops and a cafe. At the top of the building, guests will find the theatre and conference hall, along with offices for members of staff. From the uppermost levels of the building, a picturesque view of the city through the vertical slats is on display. Furthermore, the building has an art gallery, a maker space, a Braille library and a bookshop.