In Ueno Park, the International Library of Children's Literature is Japan's National Diet Library facility devoted to children's books and related research. Its two buildings pair a preserved brick structure with a newer design, and the collections include picture books in many languages, including works translated into Japanese. You can visit for free, see a small display on the library's history and take a break at the canteen, which has a terrace. It is a quieter stop after exploring Ueno's museums and park.
A library in two buildings
The International Library of Children's Literature is part of Japan's National Diet Library and specializes in children's books and related materials. It occupies two buildings, known as the Brick Building and the Arch Building.
The Brick Building began as the Imperial Library in 1906. Its Renaissance-style Western architecture and large windows belong to the original structure. A renovation project preserved the old brick building and adapted it for the children's library, which opened in its current form in 2002. Architect Tadao Ando was involved in the renovation.
Collections and reading rooms
The library holds children's books and related works from Japan and abroad, including academic material on children's literacy. One collection brings together books from around the world that have been translated into Japanese; another room holds picture books in their original languages. The library also has a large microfiche collection and provides on-site reading, copying and reference services for children's books and related material.
Much of the facility is intended for research, so it may not feel like a casual browsing library. In most reading rooms, cameras, food and drinks are not permitted. Keep personal items in the free lockers, or use a transparent bag provided by the library for things you need to carry inside. A small display room covers the library's history.
Taking a break
The canteen has a large seating area, tables and child seating, with a terrace for a pause between visits to Ueno's museums and park. Its menu includes curry rice and pasta. The library is free to enter and explore.
Häufige Fragen
Is the International Library of Children's Literature free to visit?
Yes. Visiting and exploring the library is free.
What can you see in the library?
The two buildings, collections of translated and original-language picture books, and a small display on the library's history are among the things to see.
Can you take bags and cameras into the reading rooms?
Free lockers are available for bags, and the library provides transparent bags for items you need inside. Cameras are not allowed in most reading rooms, where photography is restricted.
When is the library closed?
It is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.
