Libraries with Individually Owned Bookshelves Spreading in Japan

Yaizu, Shizuoka Pref., Sept. 28 (Jiji Press)--Moves are spreading in Japan to set up private libraries where each bookshelf is owned by individuals who display books on their hobbies or those that they recommend. Such libraries are helping revitalize local communities by creating a place where people can mingle through events. Around 50 such facilities have been created throughout the country. The first such library opened in March 2020 in a deserted shopping street in Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, by Junya Dohi, who is originally from the city, using an empty store space. The Minna no Toshokan Sankaku library is currently home to around 3,000 books, with the majority brought in by bookshelf owners who have paid 2,000 yen a month to rent a bookshelf. Such books come with a piece of paper for readers to write down their thoughts on the books. One bookshelf owner said, "I'm delighted to read feedback on books picked to reflect my view on the world." Bookshelf owners are also involved in library operations, including being at the library to assist library-goers. The setup does not involve any personnel costs, Dohi, 28, said, adding that rent and utility costs are all covered by bookshelf rental fees and other sources of income. Some people were initially skeptical that people would pay money to rent a bookshelf. The idea, however, proved to be a hit, with some people placed on waiting lists to rent a bookshelf at one point. The Yaizu library, which now welcomes around 300 to 400 users per month, has become a place for interaction, bringing people back to the shopping street once again. Many local government officials outside of Yaizu who are interested in community revitalization have paid a visit to the library. Among them is Koichi Kashiwagi, 39, who works for the Amagasaki city government in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan. Using the city's program granting side businesses for regional revitalization, Kashiwagi opened a similar library in a vacant store space in an Amagasaki shopping street in January this year. Around 80 pct of bookshelves at the Santosho library are occupied. Some elementary school children visit the library to study. "People are starting to stop by at the shopping street on their way home after enjoying their time here," Kashiwagi said of the Santosho library. Dohi said that he launched the Yaizu library as a social experiment. Such libraries "can be set up anywhere with just bookshelves" if people want interactions, he said. END