Introducing Kumamoto City Tomiai Library

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

Today I’d like to introduce a wonderful spot located in Kiyofuji, Tomiai-machi, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City:
[Kumamoto City Tomiai Library].The “Tomiai Library” sits inside Aspal Tomiai, which is on the grounds of the Minami Ward Office. (Restrooms and vending machines are also available inside Aspal Tomiai.)

The parking lot has 80 spaces, so it’s spacious and easy to park. (It may fill up during weekend events.)As soon as the automatic doors slide open, you’re greeted by a bright, open space with high ceilings.
Outdoor shoes aren’t allowed inside, so place yours in the shoe locker on the right.
Then slip into a pair of the slippers provided on the left.

When you’re done with the slippers, please place them in the sanitizer machine.
If you’re applying for a new library card or renewing one, fill out the form here and bring it to the reception counter along with an ID showing your address and date of birth (such as a driver’s license or health insurance card).
Right next to the application counter, you’ll find a charming display of seasonal picture books.

Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s, Setsubun (the bean-throwing festival)… I often pick my “first book of the visit” from this corner! ♪The children’s book section is neatly organized in Japanese alphabetical (50-on) order, with Japanese picture books and international picture books shelved separately.
There are also seasonal picture books and themed selections that change throughout the year, making it really easy to find something fun to read.
There’s also a local history exhibition room.And here’s the Japanese literature and novels section, arranged by author.
You can search for books on the computer, and there’s even a self-checkout machine — super convenient!

All the way at the back, there’s a study area with three four-person tables.

On the day I visited, works by authors of the 170th Naoki Prize (one of Japan’s most prestigious literary awards) were on display.

If you feel like settling in for a quick read, head over here.By the windows, there’s a sunny reading space bathed in warm natural light~There are sofa seats too, perfect for sitting side-by-side and reading with a friend or your child.

Why We Recommend Kumamoto City Tomiai Library

This raised, tatami-floored space is the “Story Room” (Ohanashi no Heya).

Because it’s tatami, crawling babies and wobbly toddlers can play here safely and comfortably ♪

There’s also a low table, perfect for cozy read-aloud sessions.

You’ll find felt picture books, illustrated encyclopedias, and even oversized kamishibai (traditional Japanese paper theater) — it’s truly exciting!
Every third Saturday of the month at 11:00 a.m., a Storytelling Session is held here (no sessions in February, March, or August).

Expect panel theater, hand-play games, apron theater, and picture book read-alouds — a must-see for parents!

There are loads of picture books that adults will enjoy reading too!
I personally love wandering this space looking for picture books I read in my own childhood.

It’s amazing how the picture books and stories that were read to us as children stay with us, vivid in our memory, even decades later!
There’s also a study area just for kids.

I even spotted some elementary schoolers tackling their homework here after school.
Now, what’s this section over here? It’s not books…

Surprise! It’s a CD and DVD lending corner!!

This is actually a rare service in Kumamoto — only Ueki Library and Tomiai Library here offer it ♪

The selection is impressively varied — from children’s songs and anime soundtracks to classical music, Showa-era Japanese pop hits, and the latest J-Pop.

The lending period is one week!

You can borrow up to 2 items total (CD and/or DVD combined) per library card. (Returns must be made directly to Tomiai Library.)Check out and returns are handled at this counter.

A library that kids actually want to visit — isn’t that just the best?※Please review the above information before visiting.
Tomiai Library — where you can even borrow CDs and DVDs — is absolutely worth a visit. Come and see for yourself!

Tommy-chan, the 20th anniversary mascot of Tomiai Library, is waiting to greet you too! ♪

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Frequently Asked Questions

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