SüRüM Bookstore Introduction
SüRüM Bookstore was founded by Dr. Hsieh Wan-Ting, who has devoted many years to palliative care. It began to bloom organically in October 2023. The bookstore emerged in response to the issues of loneliness among the elderly in a super-aged society, starting from the cultural background where death competence has often been difficult to touch upon and deepen. It extends a life's axis outward, promoting the competence of “living well.” This requires an unprecedented platform that connects with the world at the limits of the existing system, facing the textures of life with the most honest attitude, probing internal vulnerabilities and calling for solidarity externally. These are the two major topics of modern life care philosophy and politics. SüRüM Bookstore reinterprets the core issues of independent bookstores. It does not set a core focus but uses a compass to align itself towards the human heart. Its navigational path anchors on universal humanity and human circumstances, with thoughts that ripple out from the anchoring point, guiding the selection of books and establishing the vision for activities. Throughout the year, the activities at SüRüM Bookstore – including readings, interviews, reports, filming, and recording – are diverse and rich, yet none can fully capture both the ideal and the reality of the bookstore. It surprises visitors by creatively interpreting its name with different versions that resonate with them while also faithfully showcasing a unique version for each encounter. SüRüM Bookstore retains the original appearance of a 60-year-old house located within the U.S. military dormitory area in the alleys of the North District of Tainan City. After restoration, the walls were lowered, practicing the idea of intergenerational cohabitation in a symbiotic community while boasting a rare urban courtyard area. This responds to the concept of comprehensive care aligning with the universe. In the courtyard, there is a native starfruit tree familiar to the community, allowing for shared fruit-picking joy and intimate exchanges that achieve revitalization and empowerment. Inside the bookstore, there is a carved wooden boat by the late unsung sculptor Hsieh Chia-Shui, which the founder accompanied during medical services in Lanyu, symbolizing the flow of life. Focusing on death competence, spiritual care, and human existence, SüRüM Bookstore uses books to carry life, selling contemporary social issue publications as its main thrust. It aims to connect platforms, reading, and people, aspiring to be the leading promoter of life care and death competence advocacy, education, dialogue, and international interaction in Taiwan. The bookstore is guided by the spirit of the "Compassionate City Charter" and hopes to become a national hub for leadership and promotion. In 2024, it proudly received the global unique award at the Danish Design Award GDA for the Caring Design Award, with the commendation stating: “This Taiwan project named 'Good End Without Stories' advocates for 'civic palliative care,' emphasizing the moral responsibility of society to stand with those facing the end of life—namely, those close to death. Death is a natural process and the transmission of values and social integrity. This project demonstrates profound understanding across generations, making it a deserving winner.”
GDA Award
Version Event: Lai and Literary Music Concert
