This is the day we have been waiting for.
Indeed, it has been several months since the Chuo Kyobashi Library in Tsukiji was closed due to relocation.
And comes the 4th of December, the Central Library “Book Forest” finally opens!
Chuo City Library, Kyobashi branch is now completely relocated in Hatchobori.
The building newly constructed is stylish and accessible.
Check the photographs below.
We visited on the opening day.
A huge crowd.
According to the library’s website, there were about 7,000 visitors on the first day alone.
The facility has six floors above ground and one below, with a total floor space of 8,600 square metres.
Mind you again, this is located right at the heart of Tokyo City.
It houses the relocated Kyobashi Library, as well as a local archive, a multi-purpose hall where lectures and events can be held.
Oh, Don’t forget there is this new café on the ground floor too.
There is a space specifically designed for children use their parents on the second floor, where picture books can be read aloud.
I get a good feeling that this new establishment will become a new visiting spot in Hatchobori.
On the day of the event, tote bags were also distributed free of charge at the entrance.
Check the photo below.
Library staff told us with the relocation and this new building, the library now holds more books than any other libraries in Chuo City (the others are ones in Nihonbashi and Tsukishima), and overall, thanks to this Kyobashi Library, the tota number of books in the Chuo City Library as a whole increased dramatically.
(Oh by the way, to be more accurate, according to press reports, the Chuo City libraries now hold about 420,000 books in total!)
There are also stargazing events once a month in the rooftop garden with an astronomical telescope.
We saw a long line of people queuing at the counter to apply for a book loan card.
A wonderful opportunity to increase the people who get interested in reading.
TUP: KYOBASHI LIBRARY “Hon no Mori (Book Forest)”
1-13-14 Shintomicho, Chuo-ward, Tokyo
Tokyo Ulysses Project no. 002-0012
Detail on the progress on construction is explained here:
https://www.library.city.chuo.tokyo.jp/contents?39&pid=1943
