[Public Library Edition] Is the common sense of libraries collapsing!? A serious review of the musical sanctuary "Koishikawa Library," where a dedicated record room and a hybrid partition of iron and transparency await [Bunkyo Ward, Myogadani Station]
If you're tired of the BGM playing in cafes, why not get some work done while immersing yourself in the real "history of music"? This time, I'll be doing a serious review of the full scope of the "Koishikawa Library" in Bunkyo Ward, a musical sanctuary that is the most unorthodox of all libraries. It features one of the largest "record rooms" in the country and is even equipped with a cyberpunk-style hybrid partition that is "iron in front, transparent on the sides."
■ The greenery of Takehaya Park and one of the largest "music libraries" in the country
The four-story Koishikawa Library is located just a short walk from Myogadani Station, in a corner of Takehaya Park. As soon as you step inside, you'll realize this is no ordinary library. In fact, it is one of the largest public music libraries in the country, housing 21,000 CDs and DVDs, as well as a dedicated record room. There are tables lined with record players and cassette decks, and they even host a popular weekly event every Wednesday from 12:00 to 13:00 where staff play music they have carefully selected in the record room. For music-loving nomad workers, this is truly a sanctuary that will bring tears to your eyes.
■ Lurking on the 2nd floor: A hybrid partition that is iron in front and transparent on the sides, plus priority PC seats
The base for PC work is the eight "PC priority seats" on the second floor. This area has a slightly unusual system where you take a numbered tag from the counter on the second floor before taking a seat. The tag says, "We may ask you to move if you are not using a computer," and I am truly grateful for Bunkyo Ward's divine service in fully protecting PC workers. These seats are also fully equipped with power outlets. What's particularly noteworthy is the very unique structure of these second-floor seats. The front view is completely shut out by an "iron plate and partition," while the side partitions are made of "transparent acrylic boards," creating a unique hybrid structure. Although the desks are a bit small, it's a very interesting space that protects your privacy while easing the feeling of confinement.
■ The 3rd floor is a no-PC zone. A quiet space for reading and study
On the third floor above, there are 40 reading seats, but the rule here is that PCs cannot be used. There is also a Takuboku Ishikawa corner, and it is truly a "Hyperbolic Time Chamber" where everyone is quietly devoted to reading and studying. This library is also equipped with a water fountain, which is appreciated in the summer, making it perfect for long stays.
■ Serious evaluation spec sheet
I will reveal my personal standards as a PC worker.
・Cleanliness: ☆☆☆
・Comfort: ☆☆☆☆
・Availability: ☆☆☆
・Number of seats: ☆☆☆
・Desk side spacing: ☆☆☆
・Location: ☆☆☆☆
[Facility/Rule Details]
・Desk partition: 〇 (High, transparent sides, iron front)
・PC seats: 〇 (8 PC priority seats)
・Light: ✕
・Outlet: ◯ (8 PC priority seats)
・Reservation: Yes (System of taking a tag in front of the 2F counter,
there is no time limit)
・Free WiFi: Bunkyo_Free_Wi-Fi00
(*My PC couldn't connect well, so I'm using tethering)
・Last visit: 2026.07.22 (Wed)
■ Editor's Note: The ultimate break, drowning in nostalgia and music
Although it has the weakness of having difficult Wi-Fi connectivity, the overwhelming sense of culture and the emotional space lined with record jackets more than make up for it, refreshing a brain tired from inorganic work. Today, I want to change my mood a little and refine my ideas while immersing myself in the history of music. On such a day, please visit this unique oasis in Myogadani.
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■ About the author
From the perspective of a former engineer, I share hacking techniques to maximize the return on investment in life.
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👉 [Full Guide] Click here for the nomad workspace pilgrimage guide I created after I quit my job and despaired that I had "nowhere to go in the morning"]
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