Guide to Municipal Libraries

Reading Week is October 27 to November 9.

A two week Reading Week has been established on and around Culture Day to provide all people with an opportunity to get in the habit of reading. Autumn is the best time for reading, so why not open up a book? Please feel free to use the municipal libraries.

How to borrow books or CDs

First time you borrow them

You are free to read any books and check out any library material using your library card. Library cards are issued to anyone living, working, or attending school in the 23 cities of Tokyo. When applying for a library card, please provide an ID that shows your address or company/school address such as a driver’s license, health insurance card, employee or student ID, etc. A library card may be applied for at the municipal libraries and cooperative facilities. Only an applicant, or a guardian of preschool children can apply for the card.

Lending limit

Two weeks, 10 books/ magazines, three CDs, two DVDs, three videotapes. Please use the automated lending machine at each library.

Returning library’s materials

All materials borrowed can be returned to any libraries and cooperating facilities. During closing hours, return them to the book return box.

Locations

Lifelong Learning Center, Minato Park Shibaura, Shibaura-konan Civic Center, Minato City Local History Museum

Note

CDs, videos, DVDs, and materials from other cities’ libraries cannot be returned in the box. Please return them to the appropriate library counter.

Borrowing/returning at cooperative facilities

Items from Minato City libraries can be borrowed and returned to the library at Daiba Civic Center, Gender Equality Center “Libra,” Aoyama Lifelong Learning Center, and Minato City Local History Museum

Reservation/request service

Minato City libraries accept reservations for books, CDs, and other materials in Minato City libraries. Also, books from other public libraries in Tokyo, Temple University Japan Campus Library, and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology Library can be borrowed via any Minato City library.

Internet service

Visit the below mentioned sites for information on how to use libraries, see events schedule, announcements, and search, reserve, and renew library materials, as well as search for people who were related to Minato City through a dedicated database.
A password is required for reservations and borrowing extensions online. You may register a password on the Minato City Library website and at the search terminals located within the libraries.

[PC] http://www.lib.city.minato.tokyo.jp/ (External link)
[Mobile] http://www.lib.city.minato.tokyo.jp/m/ (External link)

Book-start

In this program, infants and the guardians are given books by the library to teach them the joy and value of reading picture books.

Magnifying reading machines

Books written in large print for easy reading are available. Reading magnifiers are also installed at all libraries to enlarge text for easier reading.

Library hours

Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, holidays, and December 28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Takanawa Annex: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Closed

Every third Thursday, inventory check days, and December 29 to January 3, Takanawa Annex also closes on holidays.
Also, libraries may close temporarily in addition to the above schedule.