Imagine a sanctuary of knowledge right here. The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library stands as a testament to Tokyo’s commitment to learning.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library wasn’t always here. Its story began with the Tokyo Municipal Hibiya Library. That library opened its doors in 1908. The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library was established in 1973. It became the main library for the metropolis.
Inside the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library, a world of information awaits. As of March 2023, it held over 2.25 million books. It also boasts 6000 magazine and journal titles. You can find audio-visual materials and rare items too. These include Ukiyo-e prints and architectural drawings of Edo Castle. The Central Library’s foreign language collection is impressive. It makes up about one-tenth of the total stock.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library is known as a research library. Expert staff offer reference and information services. There are 900 seats available for visitors. Wireless LAN and online databases are accessible. It is a quiet space ideal for study.
The library offers many resources. About 350000 volumes are freely accessible on open shelves. Some business law and health-related magazines are available too. Newspapers from the last three months are also available. You can take these materials to any floor for reading.
About 1.9 million volumes are held in closed stacks. You cannot enter these stacks yourself. You can request materials through the library’s online catalog. The library has computers for accessing the catalog.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library also offers a photocopy service. This service is available for materials in the library’s collection. Copyright law restricts photocopying. You can make requests at the Photocopy Service Counter on the first floor.
Using your own laptop is permitted on floors one to four. The library has 300 seats with power supply and 600 seats without. FREE Wi-Fi is available on all floors.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library aims to be accessible to everyone. Since 2004, admission has been open to all ages. A Kid’s Room provides a nursing area and diaper-changing table.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library is more than just books. It is a place of discovery. It supports research and lifelong learning for everyone in Tokyo. You can lose yourself in its quiet corners. You can explore vast collections. This is a place where knowledge comes alive.