[Toyohashi] Toyohashi Machinaka Library, A New type of Library that Provides a Place to Casually Visit and Gather

"Toyohashi City Machinaka Library" newly opened in Toyohashi City in November 2021. It is located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of "emCAMPUS EAST", which is about a 5-minute walk from Toyohashi Station.

In addition to lending and reading books as part of the library's functions, the library also places importance on human encounters and exchanges, and holds lectures and seminars in accordance with the concept of each space to serve as a hub for regional exchange where anyone can casually drop in! One of the attractions of the library is that there is also a café in one corner, where you can enjoy a book with a drink in hand. Today, we will introduce some of the highlights of the Toyohashi Machinaka Library.

What is the Toyohashi Machinaka Library?

"Toyohashi Machinaka Library" opened as a "creative base for knowledge and exchange" that expands the world and leads to urban development. In order to create a library that is easy to use and familiar to citizens, it was born as a new form of library that incorporated various ideas through repeated exchanges of opinions and workshops before opening.

At the Toyohashi Machinaka Library, they propose three things you can do: research, exchange, and send information.

You can always catch up on the latest information on books useful for work and daily life, lifestyle and local information, and have opportunities to meet new people through events and social gatherings, as well as a place to talk and exchange information with your peers. It is also a space where people can share knowledge and information in the community while using the museum's space to disseminate knowledge and information.

You are free to decide how you want to use the Toyohashi Machinaka Library and how you spend your time.

The inside of the building is impressive with a calm and rounded space design! It is characterized by arranging books and materials according to the theme of each zone.

From small children to the elderly, there are voices such as "easy to use" and "I wanted a library like this"! It has been open for about two months, but it seems that more than 2,000 people visit on average every day.

Wireless LAN and power supply are also substantial, so you can use it in various ways!

The illustrations in the museum were drawn by popular illustrator Yu Nagaba. The ceiling and floor signs are made of local Higashimikawa cedar and prefectural lumber, and the design is inspired by the Tezutsu Fireworks, which originated in Toyohashi City!

Consists of 5 zones and 8 spaces
A new type of library

At the "Toyohashi Machinaka Library", there are spaces with different concepts. Let's start with the second floor!

The "Welcome zone" is near the entrance. The "Magazine Space", which has about 300 types of magazines, also provides information on Toyohashi, mainly in the "machinaka area" in front of the station.

This is the "Active Zone" where you can find health, outdoor, sports, music, picture books, and children's books. The photo shows the "Kids Space", which is popular with small children and parents. The bookshelf is also set lower than other zones, so that even children can reach it.

It looks like a fun family reading picture books and picture-story shows together in a bright and open space. Library staff and guests also hold storytelling sessions.

There are also wooden toys, so the children can have fun too!

In the "Kids Space", there is also a kids-only toilet that is great for dads, moms, and children. The height of the washbasin is adjusted to the height of the children.

This is "Performance Space". Books related to performing arts such as movies and theater, music, and the outdoors are lined up. It also has a screen projector, and it seems that lectures for small groups are held!

On the sports shelf, you can find uniforms and autographs of Sanen Neo-Phoenix, a local professional basketball team belonging to B.LEAGUE! Attention to basketball fans.

Some of the signs are eye-catching. On the shelves in the library, there are signs personally thought up by the librarian in charge of that space. The displays are arranged according to the theme of each zone or space, without being bound by the NDC (Nippon Decimal Classification) system used in conventional libraries, but with an emphasis on what kind of book it is and the perspective that makes you want to read it.

And the central step in the center of the facility that leads to the 3rd floor. Equipped with a projector screen, lectures, seminars, and screenings are held here.

The lighting color and brightness can be changed according to the time of day and the nature of the event being held, and the attractive spatial presentation is captivating.

On the 3rd floor after going up the central step, there are three zones: "Relaxation Zone", "Learning/Creative Zone", and "Grow Up Zone".

This is the workshop space of the "Learning Creative Zone". It is a space where you can learn knowledge and skills not only from books, but also through practice. Recently, they held a workshop on making mizuhiki (decorative Japanese cord) and candles. Check the website for the latest information on the event!

This is "Maker's Lab". Equipped with a computer that can edit videos and a facility that allows you to make stickers, you can practice on the spot while reading library materials nearby.

This is the "Grow Up Zone" teens space. Teaching each other and chatting. It is a place where all teenagers can interact.

In addition to reference books, there is also a "Manga that will change your future" corner. Excited by various genres such as manga, magazines and books popular with young people!

An "art space" where materials centered on art, such as paintings and architecture, are lined up. Special exhibitions are held on a regular basis, and the atmosphere is like an art museum.

At the back of the art space is the “Relaxation Zone”. They have books that are useful for hobbies and living. The biggest feature here is that there are spacious seats and private rooms. You can spend a fulfilling time.

The lounge is recommended in this area. It is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy reading in a particularly relaxing space within the relaxation zone. You can also enjoy a view of the city center from the large windows. (*Reservations are required for this space.)

They also have a space where small groups can study and have meetings.

Enjoy reading with a cup of delicious coffee!

Eating and drinking are allowed inside the museum! The cafe on the second floor offers delicious coffee and other drinks, baked goods, and more.

For coffee, you can choose from beans from three of the city's most popular coffee shops. All are high quality and delicious.

You can taste two of each store's original blends, for a total of six types of coffee. The types of coffee beans change seasonally, so please try to find your favorite cup of coffee with the aroma and flavor of the season!

In addition to coffee, we also recommend fresh orange juice made with a zumex juicer. The rich orange flavor is so addictive!

The cute-looking "Taiwanese teas" come in four different flavors. Dongfang Bijin, a representative of Taiwanese Oolong tea, and Jasmine tea, with its impressive rich jasmine flavor, are also very popular. *Photograph shows iced tea.

“Toyohashi Machinaka Library” opened as a place where people and the city are connected, rather than just a place to read books. I would like to keep an eye on it as a new place that values the local community!

Photo / Shigemi Shimizu (One Life Communication Co., Ltd.)