【Written by journalist Wu Chi-Rou】
The Fang Ming Chen Library recently announced its official opening. The library contains manuscripts and books by pre-eminent researcher, Fang Ming Chen, and features an amphitheater-style area for informal discussions and reading, adding greatly to the cultural atmosphere of the campus.

Since the lifting of martial law in Taiwan, Fang Ming Chen has dedicated himself to the field of Taiwanese literary research, and is a crucial figure in Taiwanese historical research and literary criticism. “I'm extremely honored that my books and manuscripts have found a home here, and consider myself very fortunate to have come to Chengchi University (NCCU),” he stated. Chen openly concedes that, given his political leanings, he never thought he would have the chance to collaborate with NCCU, exclaiming that “Times have really changed.” He affirms that NCCU now boasts a free and open campus where blue (KMT) and green (DPP) political views can mutually coexist, and where all shades on the political spectrum are represented. He adds: It is evident that NCCU has undergone a gradual process of liberalization, and this reflects the trajectory of Taiwanese society more broadly, moving toward diversity and mutual prosperity.

Philanthropist Tzu-Hsien Tung, who donated the funds to set up the library, said he hopes that it may provide a warm corner for readers to calmly nestle, book in hand. Standing in the confines of this homage to knowledge, Tung praised Chen for his academic integrity and resolve: “Though he endured plenty of hardship, Professor Fang Ming Chen is like many people living in Taiwan – he never gave up his pursuit of hope and of a brighter future.” During the opening ceremony, NCCU president, Kuo Ming-cheng, thanked Tung for his support and extolled the values of inclusivity, tolerance, and cultural openness, promising to maximize the use of the Fang Ming Chen Library so as to preserve the wisdom of Fang Ming Chen.

The building of the Fang Ming Chen Library took six months to complete. A round, wooden lectern sits in its center, surrounded by tiered seating, creating an open and unrestricted space in which to hold discussions or read. The arched bookshelves around this lecture area contain an assortment of Fang Ming Chen's written works, precious manuscripts, newspaper clippings, and more.