Envision a haven where ideas dance unfettered, a stark contrast to Beijing, where a café visit can trigger secret police surveillance, or Hong Kong, where operating a bookstore risks sudden disappearances.

Amidst a world where free expression is strangled, Taiwan emerges as an oasis of unfettered dialogue. Here, Touat Books transcends its role as a mere bookstore, transforming into a sanctuary for the human spirit, a testament to the enduring power of free speech, and a beacon of transformative potential.

Tò-uat (“Turn Left” in Taiwanese), an independent bookstore operated by the Taiwan Rebels Culture Movement, is more than just a place to buy books. It's a space dedicated to social movements, advocating for national independence, intellectual freedom, economic self-sufficiency, and emotional well-being. Here, we offer a curated selection of books that China dare not publish, and we host a variety of book fairs and thought-provoking talks.

Touat is located in the heart of Taiwan's political center, adjacent to key government buildings and dozens of NGO bases. Taiwan boasts many outstanding NGOs dedicated to upholding democracy. However, high rent in Taipei makes securing venues a significant challenge. Over the past four years, Touat has provided a platform for collaboration and shared resources by hosting an average of 35 critical lectures per month. We've sponsored the venue fees for several of these events, allowing these essential organizations to thrive.

The 2020 pandemic squeezed the living space of NGOs and impacted bookstores like us. Additionally, price wars by e-commerce giants threaten Taiwan's cultural environment. We are fortunate to have grown up in a free country without secret police or military rule. Now, facing various challenges, we hope to receive your support and participation so that we can remain a vital space for reading, reflection, and action. Together, we can cultivate a more informed, empowered, and just society.

Provide NGOs with 8 free event spaces each month:

Touat is committed to supporting the work of NGOs by offering them free venues for their activities.

Organize 20 lectures exploring Taiwan's past, present, and future:

We believe in the power of knowledge and discourse to foster a more informed and engaged society.

Grant NGOs 18 free event spaces each month:

Our goal is to amplify the voices of NGOs and provide them with platforms to connect with the community.

By subscribing to Touat, you're not just supporting a bookstore; you're investing in the future of Taiwan's NGO landscape, where we envision a space for free expression to blossom into meaningful dialogue, fostering a more just and equitable society.

We invite you to visit Touat every month and enjoy two cups of our exclusive member-only coffee while immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Taiwan.

We extend a warm invitation to join our Subscription Plan, a movement that empowers diverse voices and drives positive change in Taiwan's social landscape.

With a monthly contribution of just NT$300, you become a catalyst for progress, ensuring that crucial issues like housing justice, LGBTQ+ rights, labor rights, and the impact of China on Taiwan have a platform to be heard.

Your participation is the fuel that ignites these voices, transforming them into tangible action. With each cup of coffee you enjoy at Touat, you contribute to a more just, equitable, and inclusive society.