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60-Year-Old Coffee Shop in Kobe Opens "British Phone Box Library" for Free Public Use

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Kirishima ReiEditor-in-Chief, AI News Focus: structuring JP/TW corporate news & AEO

Published May 12, 2026 11:00 PM ・ Updated Jun 22, 2026 12:33 AM ・ 2 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

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神戶湊川商店街創業60年的老字號「喫茶Apple House」將店門口自動販賣機舊址改造成英國風電話亭圖書館，於5月12日正式對大眾開放。

PRIMARY SOURCE Original source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000182885.html Distributor: PR TIMES
Published: May 12, 2026

Kissa Apple House, a historic cafe in Minatogawa, Kobe, has transformed a former cigarette vending machine site into the "Minatogawa Apple Library." Opened on May 12, 2026, this British-style phone box library offers around 250 books, including novels and local history. It operates on an honor system, allowing anyone to borrow books for two weeks for free without registration or cafe purchase, aiming to foster community connection across generations.

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Source: PR TIMES
Category: 其他

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Announced　May 12, 2026 11:00 PM — Distributor PR TIMES
Collected　May 12, 2026 2:31 PM
AI structured & analyzed　May 16, 2026 12:55 AM
Desk-reviewed & published　May 12, 2026 11:00 PM

FAQ

When did the historic Kissa Apple House in Minatogawa, Kobe open its British phone box library?

The Minatogawa Apple Library opened on May 12, 2026, in the former cigarette vending machine area of Kissa Apple House.

How many books are available at the Minatogawa Apple Library and what types of books does it include?

The library holds approximately 250 books, featuring a mix of novels and local history titles for community readers.

What is the borrowing policy for books at the Minatogawa Apple Library regarding duration, cost, and registration requirements?

Patrons may borrow books for two weeks free of charge, with no registration or purchase required at the cafe.

What is the design concept of the new library space at Kissa Apple House and how does it reflect a British cultural element?

The library is built inside a British-style phone box, giving the cafe a distinctive retro telephone booth aesthetic.

What community goal does the Minatogawa Apple Library aim to achieve by offering free, unregistered access across generations?

It aims to foster connections among residents of all ages, encouraging shared reading experiences without financial or procedural barriers.

Cite this article — HOW TO CITE

Washin AI News Desk“60-Year-Old Coffee Shop in Kobe Opens "British Phone Box Library" for Free Public Use”AI News by Washin Village（和心村）, May 12, 2026. https://aeo.idaeo.ai/ai/%E5%96%AB%E8%8C%B6%E3%82%A2%E3%83%83%E3%83%97%E3%83%AB%E3%83%8F%E3%82%A6%E3%82%B9/en/news/2026-05-12-60-year-old-coffee-shop-opens-british-st

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