Children's Libraries: Continued
Following our previous installment, this is the second part of our special series introducing children's libraries in Tokyo. This time, we will look at two small, unique libraries.
1. Mitaka City Star and Forest and Picture Book House
When I first visited their website, I was immediately captivated by the Japanese-style exterior. This building is a restored and reconstructed version of the former No. 1 Official Residence of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, built during the Taisho era. The name "Star and Forest and Picture Book House" is said to embody the following meanings:
Star → Utilization of the intellectual resources of the National Astronomical Observatory and cooperation from astronomers, etc.
Forest → The environment located within the rich nature of the observatory's forest
Picture Book → Collaboration with diverse people who gather for activities involving children and picture books
House → The charm of the building, which preserves and utilizes the gratitude of the Taisho era
This facility is located on the grounds of the National Astronomical Observatory. After entering the main gate and walking for a while along a path surrounded by greenery, the building came into view. The attached administrative building serves as the entrance, and as soon as I stepped inside, a staff member at the reception greeted me. Visitors receive a wooden leaf, which they hang on a large wooden object set up nearby—a procedure that warms the hearts of not only children but adults as well.
In the hallway leading to the reading space, original drawings by a local picture book author were on display that day. From the entrance of the government building beyond that, I took off my shoes to go inside. Since it is a Taisho-era building, the tatami rooms remain in their original form, and each room was separated by sliding paper doors (fusuma). It is a truly relaxing space.
I believe the characteristic of this library also lies in its book classification. Books are categorized by themes such as forest, plants, animals, people, daily life, stars, and the earth. The "stars" section, in particular, is supported by astronomers from the National Astronomical Observatory, making it especially recommended for children interested in space. The collection is said to consist of 2,800 books.
Although it is a small library, there was also a space in the back where small children could play. It seems like a great place to spend time leisurely in a quiet, relaxing space rich in greenery.
2. Tokyo Children's Library
This is a private library located in Nakano Ward that specializes in children's books and reading. Its history began with four home libraries.
It was established in 1974, based on the two Tsuchiya Libraries opened in 1955 and 1956 by Shigeko Tsuchiya, who was a housewife at the time; the "Katsura Library" opened in her home in 1958 by Momoko Ishii, a children's literature author and translator; and the Matsunomi Library, opened in 1967 by Ryoko Matsuoka, who studied in Japan and the United States with the goal of becoming a children's librarian.
A home library is essentially an activity where an individual lends books from their home to local children and tells them stories. It can be said that this only came to fruition because of the passion and dedication toward children. These grassroots efforts eventually became the catalyst for the establishment of children's rooms in public libraries.
In addition to providing carefully selected books for everyone from toddlers to high school students, this library carries out various initiatives. I feel that they value the interactions that are only possible because of their small scale, such as "Story Time" where they read picture books to children, the "Nursery Rhyme Gathering" that parents and children can enjoy together, and "Grandmother's Chair" where veteran staff enjoy old-fashioned games and crafts with the children.
When I visited, a library staff member was reading books individually to the children who had come to visit. Telling and listening to stories can lead children to enjoy reading. This is a belief that this library holds dear.
Beyond this, they are involved in various activities through books, such as reading support for Japanese-Brazilian children, human resource development for adults who want to work in the world of children and books, and training programs for children's librarians.
I would like to conclude by introducing the following words from the library's philosophy, which left a lasting impression on me.
“Words are a sign of love and the foundation of all intellectual activity. Imagination is the wing that allows humans to fly from the place where they are placed to a wider world. And books are the most powerful means of nurturing these two powers.”
The staff members are very approachable. You might try asking them for book recommendations or hear valuable stories about the history of the Children's Library.