Introducing Mashiki Town Library

Hello, this is Gussan, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today we’re heading to Kiyama, Mashiki Town, Kamimashiki District,
[Mashiki Town Library].

The library inside “Minaterrace, the Mashiki Town Community Information Center” is so lovely we just had to share it with you.
We didn’t snap a photo of the parking lot, but it’s spacious with plenty of room.
The entrance to Mashiki Town Library.
Note that the entrance and exit are separate.
Once inside, the reception counter is on your left.
With its high ceilings, Mashiki Town Library feels bright and refreshingly clean.
You’ll find a wonderful selection of books for adults, plus an impressive collection of picture books and children’s titles.

What Makes Mashiki Town Library Special

There’s even a colorful little picture book “house” inside.
These playful touches that delight kids really warm the heart.
Now, what could that dome-shaped structure in the back be?

That lemon-shaped dome is the “Storytelling Room.”
It’s where staff host read-aloud sessions for kids.
The room itself gets little ones excited even before the story begins!
There’s also a dedicated picture book corner for younger children.
The chairs and tables are kid-sized, perfectly suited to small visitors.
There’s even a shoes-off, barefoot-friendly area.
The steps are low, making it easy for toddlers to climb on, and crawling babies can also enjoy story time safely.
Another big plus: the restrooms are right next to the picture book corner.
There are urinals for boys and a diaper-changing station,
and within the regular adult restroom there are also kid-sized toilets.
If you’ve ever juggled bags and a small child while hunting for a usable bathroom, you know how stressful that can be — having everything close by is genuinely a lifesaver.
Beyond that, there’s a “Kodomo no Tomo” (children’s classic picture book) corner,
and a corner full of oversized picture books too.
They feel extra special, and kids absolutely love them.
Most households don’t own these big-format books (honestly, they’re quite pricey), so the library is the perfect place to enjoy as many as you’d like.
In front of the reception counter there’s a “Sterilization Box” that disinfects books in just 45 seconds.
If you’ve ever felt a little hesitant about borrowing books, this thoughtful touch lets you check things out with peace of mind.

Also, if you have a Mashiki Town Library card, you can use the “Digital Library” — a service that lets you search and view various digitized materials the library has gathered. You can even borrow and reserve e-books on a range of devices via the internet. Pretty cutting-edge for a small-town library — I felt like I’d discovered a clever little secret. (laughs)

There’s also a park right outside the library, so you can mix indoor reading with outdoor play depending on your child’s mood — making it a fantastic spot for a first-ever library visit. ♪
It’s also a great rainy-day option once Japan’s spring rolls into the rainy season.

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.