Memuro Town Library - Hokkaido

Memuro Town Library (芽室町図書館) is a public library in the town of Memuro. It is located at 3 Chome-6-1 Higashi 4 Jo in the town of Memuro, Kasai District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Memuro Town Library

Memuro Town Library Details

Memuro Town Library stands as a vibrant cultural hub, offering an enriching experience for locals and visitors alike. This library combines traditional library services with modern innovations, making it a must-visit destination for book lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

Memuro Town Library - Memuro town, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Glimpse Into the Library’s History

The Memuro Town Library has been serving the community since the early 1990s, with its significant expansion and modernization occurring around 1993. Over the years, it has grown to house an impressive collection of over 110,000 books, newspapers, magazines, and audiovisual materials, catering to diverse interests.

Memuro Town Library's facade

"Love" by Y. Sugawara - installed on August 6, 1995

One of its standout initiatives is the innovative “reading passbook” system, which encourages literacy by allowing patrons, especially children, to track their reading history. This thoughtful approach has solidified the library’s role as an educational cornerstone in the community.

Activities and Events for Everyone

The library goes beyond lending books by hosting a variety of engaging events throughout the year. For instance:

• Graduation Messages Exhibit (2021): An inspiring showcase of heartfelt notes from local school staff to graduating students.
• Library Festival (2022): A lively celebration featuring balloon art, food stalls, and enthusiastic participation from local schools, marking the return of this beloved event after a three-year hiatus.

Inside the Memuro Town Library

A Showa-era post box is on display inside the library

Modern Amenities and Accessibility

Visitors to the Memuro Town Library will appreciate its modern amenities, including wheelchair-friendly restrooms, comfortable seating areas, and a dedicated children’s section. Audiovisual materials and newspapers are also available for those looking to explore beyond books. The library offers free parking, ensuring a hassle-free visit.

Team Nicerio visits the Memuro Town Library

On August 13, 2023, my family and I visited the Memuro Town Library for the first time, coinciding with my 650th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. I intentionally included this stop in our itinerary to have a moment during our road trip to relax and unwind. We spent our time browsing through books, mainly enjoying the pictures, as our Japanese reading skills were still quite limited. Despite this, the library proved to be a wonderful spot to spend some quiet time, especially during the winter season.

 

Memuro Town Library Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter, explore, and read books in the Memuro Town Library.

Memuro Town Library Operating Hours

The Memuro Town Library is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It is closed every Tuesday, except when it falls on a holiday, in which case the library will be closed the following day.

Operating hours are from 10 AM to 6 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while on Thursdays, the library extends its hours, staying open from 10 AM to 8 PM.

 

Why visit the Memuro Town Library?

Memuro Town Library offers a unique blend of culture, community, and education. It’s a testament to how libraries can evolve to meet the needs of modern society while preserving the charm of traditional reading spaces.

Getting to the Memuro Town Library

 

Memuro Station is the nearest train station to the Memuro Town Library. From there, the library is just 750 meters away. 

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