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Hidden inside Park No. 4, the National Taiwan Library was originally the “Governor-General’s Library of Taiwan” before World War II and has already stood for a full century. Established in 1915 as the “Governor-General’s Library of Taiwan,” it was the island’s first modern library, as well as the largest and richest in holdings during the Japanese era, charged with guiding library development throughout Taiwan. Its collections trace back to the “Taiwan Library” set up by the Japanese in the Tamsui Hall (site of the Qing-dynasty Teng-ying Academy). By wartime its holdings had grown to roughly 200,000 volumes in Chinese, Japanese, and Western languages. The library was located in Taihoku’s Shoin-chō, in the former lottery office northwest of the Governor-General’s Office building; the structure was bombed by U.S. forces during World War II, but thanks to the careful evacuation directed by director Yamanaka Shō, most of the collections survived the flames and remain intact today. Because the building is so large, the library offers age-segmented and audience-specific services; for its historic materials it has even established a “Book Hospital” that carries out both Chinese and Western conservation work, periodically opening the process of “healing books” to public viewing. Outside, the “Contemplation Arcade,” with its classical arched façade, is a must-photograph spot for every visitor.