Opened in 1978 the Yao City Public Library is a significant landmark. It’s more commonly known as the Yao City Yao Library. This Osaka library wasn’t always here. Its story begins much earlier. In 1977 the Yao City Library Ordinance was announced. The city purchased a building. They renovated it into a three-story library. The grand opening of the Yao City Yao Library was on January 17 1978. The library initially held 37500 books. That same year the city’s mobile library service began. It used a donated bus. This mobile library was incorporated into the Yao City Yao Library system. In 1979 citizens voted on a nickname for the mobile library. They chose “Furea-i Go” meaning “Friendly Number”.
In 1983 the Yao City Yao Library formed agreements with two other libraries. These agreements involved resource sharing. The libraries benefited from a cooperative system. The Yao City Yao Library celebrated its tenth anniversary in 1988. They published a commemorative booklet. “Yao City Yao Library 10 Years of Progress” documented the library’s growth. Further expansion occurred in 1993. The plan was to create more libraries of a similar design in the surrounding area. By 1996 two new libraries were opened using the same design. These libraries were the Yamamoto and Shiki libraries.
The Yao City Yao Library also launched a website in 1997. This website offered online library services. The online catalog was a popular addition. Children’s book circulation nearly doubled. The library also celebrated its twentieth anniversary in 1998. Another commemorative booklet marked the milestone. “Yao City Yao Library 20 Years of Progress” detailed its continued success. In 2004 the library received an award. It was recognized for excellence in children’s library programs. This achievement demonstrates its commitment to young readers.
The Yao City Yao Library’s building is interesting. It has four stories above ground and one below. The structure is made from steel. It features a children’s corner. There is also a reading room. The library houses a significant collection of books. These include general books and children’s books. There are also magazines. In 2014 a major renovation took place. The renovation incorporated the current Genki Genki Library of Yao City. This new space brought a modern feel. The library’s reading room offers a quiet area for study. The library’s location makes it convenient to visit. It’s just a seven minute walk from the Kintetsu Yao Station. The library continues to serve the community. It does so with a commitment to literacy and learning.