We know that the Japanese enjoy reading, so much so that there are thousands of mangas, light novels, and books released weekly. Even in bathhouses, you can find a library or a shelf of books to read. In this article, we will show what a municipal library in Japan (市立図書館 – Shiritsu toshokan) is like.
Why are we going to talk specifically about municipal libraries in Japan? To show that the Japanese government truly cares about the education of the population and invests heavily in knowledge and culture instead of leaving the population ignorant to manipulate them… And of course, a library in Japan is something amazing to see!
Municipal libraries in Japan are public places maintained by the taxes of the population that allow any local citizen to borrow books or research and read on-site. Of course, each city has its library that may vary, but many look gigantic like an airport and go far beyond books.
A municipal library in Japan
Japanese municipal libraries can go far beyond a place that offers books. They can host shows, presentations, and offer courses and other interesting opportunities. Some have several floors and support other languages, showing how well public money is spent in Japan.
You can even find studios and museums in a library in Japan.
Some libraries even offer books in Portuguese. You can read on-site and notice that the libraries are full of people and not a desert as it usually is in our dear Brazil. To borrow any book, just register at a municipal library in Japan.
We will leave a video below that shows in detail what a library in Japan is like:
Some characteristics of libraries in Japan
Some municipal libraries in Japan even dispense with contact with staff. There are libraries where you simply enter and take the book without presenting documents or filling out forms. After reading, you don’t even need to put it back in place; just leave it in a designated area, and the staff will put it back on the shelves.
There are screens that can help you find the exact location of a book on a specific floor or section. The first time you want to take a book home, you will need to register and receive a magnetic card that will be used to borrow and return books.
In addition to books, you will find huge areas to rest and relax while you read. Moreover, in these libraries in Japan, you find copiers, internet, tables, children’s areas, and parking lots like those in shopping malls. All of this is free! And you will also find convenience stores and restaurants on-site or nearby.
Some libraries have over 500,000 books and can be open every day. Japanese libraries are a great source of envy and one of the reasons Japan is an organized, peaceful, and prosperous country. What do you think of Japanese libraries? What do you think about sharing so that people know the importance of knowledge?
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