最終更新日 2023-02-18
Public libraries are one of my favorite places to stop by. I usually borrow some books from different libraries nearby. Each of these libraries has its strong points, and I use them for different purposes. Foreign residents can also borrow books and use the facilities.
1. Nisshin city library
This is the nearest library to where I live. It was built about ten years ago at the present location. Designed by a famous architect, this library is full of natural light and open spaces, and it is a very pleasant place to spend some time. You can borrow ten books for 15 days.
The good things about this library are:
- Good collection of books and reference books written in English on the 2nd floor (I used to borrow Harry Potter books, various English-English dictionaries, and English translations of Japanese literature)
- Quiet and neat study room for adults on the 2nd floor (quiet and you can use PC, suitable for studying)
- Impressive building design (it is nice to walk within and outside of the building.)
2. Miyoshi city central library
This library is in Miyoshi city. It was relocated to its present place in 2016. New and cozy. You can borrow 20 books for two weeks.
The good things about this library are:
- Good lineup of newly arrived books (If you walk through the main entrance on the 1st floor, you can find on your right a corner that displays newly arrived books. I can always find one or two interesting books there. Even though I came here only to return my borrowed books, I ended up borrowing new ones. This library is an excellent out-of-the-way place because well-selected new books are available to borrow).
- Good collection of business books for startups on the 1st floor.
３．Aichi prefectural library
This is the biggest public library in Aichi prefecture. It is located near Nagoya Castle, and its waterless outer moat runs beside the library building. The current building was built in 1991. Spacious and serene atmosphere. I use this library mainly for research purposes. Sugakiya restaurant is on the 5th floor.
The good points for this library are:
- Good collection of specialized books
- Wide collection of professional magazines
- Lots of foreign books
- Very useful Aichi prefecture cross-database retrieval system “AIZOU-kun” (only in Japanese) for searching online for books stored in the public libraries in Aichi prefecture
4. Tsuruma central library (Nagoya city library)
This is the main library among Nagoya city libraries. It was newly rebuilt in 1984. A little bit old, but I like its just-right size and the nostalgic atmosphere, partly due to its location within Tsuruma park, which was constructed in the Meiji period (in 1909). Even if the library does not have a book you wish to read, if the other Nagoya city libraries have it, you can reserve it online and borrow it from Tsuruma central library. On the 1st floor, they have general or easy-reading books. On the 2nd floor, they have specialized books. Sugakiya restaurant is on the B1 floor.
Things I like about this library:
- Good collection of specialized books and books for pleasure reading.
- You can borrow books from the other Nagoya city libraries.
- I’ve been using this library since I was a university student almost 30 years ago, so I feel at home.
5. Toyota City Library
Toyota city lies east of Nisshin city, and is famous for the headquarter of Toyota Motor Corporation. This library is located near the Toyotashi Station (Meitetsu Toyota City Station). This library has a good collection of automobile related books.
The good thins about this library are:
- I can often find books unavailable in the other libraries.
- Lots of space for study and reading.
- This library is nicely computerized. However, it would be perfect if a check-out extension request could have been made online.
6. NIC (Nagoya International Center) library
Finally, if you want to read foreign and Japanese language-learning books, you should check this library. It is located on the 3rd floor of the Nagoya International Center near Nagoya station, where you can get a wide range of information about life in Japan and various international events. This library has more novels and fiction than any other library and foreign bookstore in Nagoya.
You can borrow at least six books from most of the above libraries for two weeks. You can also borrow CDs and DVDs. They offer a variety of exhibitions and events. It is good to see people reading books and newspapers in the library.