First Renovation Complete! Kanazawa Library in Yokohama Transforms into a Space Everyone Wants to Visit!

The City of Yokohama is renovating local libraries to create comfortable, inviting spaces where residents can enjoy books at their leisure. As the first project in this initiative, Kanazawa Library has undergone interior renovations over approximately two months starting May of Reiwa 8, under the concept of "A renovation that makes everyone feel comfortable—where anyone can find the book they want to read, individuals can relax, and parents with children can unwind too."

To mark this renewal, an opening ceremony and related events will be held.

Children's Floor (1st floor) General Floor (2nd floor)

Key renovation highlights:

Children's Floor: Significantly expanded space where visitors can remove shoes and relax with family

General Floor: Newly installed comfortable sofa seating

Other improvements include additional reading seats and an expanded Teens Corner

Renewal Opening Date and Time: June 30, Reiwa 8 (Tue) from 10:00 AM

To commemorate the opening, small commemorative gifts such as young azalea plants will be available.

1. Opening Ceremony and Preview Event

On the day of the reopening, an opening ceremony will be held starting at 9:50 AM.

Additionally, a preview event for media and other invited guests will be held from 9:00 AM, prior to the official opening.

※ During media coverage, please wear your press badge or company armband visibly at all times.

※ When covering the event, please follow instructions and guidance from staff.

※ The opening ceremony is open to the public with no registration required.

2. Renovation-Related Events

To make the library more accessible and welcoming, various events will be held in conjunction with the reopening.

Related Events (※ Registration required)

Jul 8 (Wed) Storytime for Lap-Sitting Babies ※

Jul 15 (Wed) Regular Storytime Session

Jul 28 (Tue) One-Day Librarian Experience (Grades 1–3) <Pitari-e Quiz Experience> ※

Jul 29 (Wed) One-Day Librarian Experience (Grades 4–6) ※

Aug 5 (Wed) Storytime for Lap-Sitting Babies ※

Aug 19 (Wed) Regular Storytime Session

Aug 21 (Fri) Spooky Storytime Session ※

<Pitari-e Quiz>

A robot will present quizzes related to picture books and recommend recommended reads!

Special Event

"1-Day Library Festival

—Come See the Newly Renovated Kanazawa Library—"

Date and Time: August 29, Reiwa 8 (Sat), 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Venue: Kanazawa Library, Mid-Size Meeting Room, Kanazawa District Center

Programs: Story sessions by reading groups, an in-library scavenger hunt, Pitari-e quiz experience, and more

※ Event details will be updated regularly on the city's official website.

https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/kurashi/kyodo-manabi/library/tshokan/kanazawa/

3. Other Collaborative Initiatives

With cooperation from the library committee at Kanazawa High School, a special book exhibition is being held to highlight the appeal of various books.

Using POP displays and exhibits created from a high school student's unique perspective, the charm of each book is presented in an accessible way.

This exhibition is located in the Teens Corner on the 2nd floor—don't miss it!