Toshima Ward will reopen the Toshima Ward Kami-Ikebukuro Library on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
A new library with diverse roles where anyone can easily visit, learn, and interact.
The library opening this time is the first library to embody the "new library" concept outlined in Toshima Ward's basic plan. Going beyond the traditional framework of a library as a "quiet place to read books," it has been redeveloped as a hub for "a place to belong," "interaction," and "creativity," aiming to be a "new library with diverse roles" where anyone can easily visit, learn, and interact.
The new library, in response to requests from local residents, has expanded its seating capacity from 74 to 164 seats and divided its functions and features by floor. The first floor, which serves as the entrance, is a "lively floor" where people can freely chat, and includes a children's/YA (teens) corner, lounge seating, and a terrace where people can eat and drink. The second floor is a "quiet floor" where people can read books at their leisure, and is equipped with a study room and computer desks as a library space where people can concentrate on reading and studying. The environment is designed to be comfortable for people to use according to their purpose. Furthermore, a fabrication space for making things has been introduced in the basement, and equipment such as 3D printers and UV printers that can make acrylic keychains have been installed so that people can enjoy making things.
To commemorate the reopening, a string quartet concert by volunteers from the Toshima Ward Orchestra will be held on the morning of Saturday, June 6th, and a board game get-together will be held on the afternoons of Saturday, June 6th and Sunday, June 7th. Moving forward, Kami-Ikebukuro Library will continue to develop a variety of events that go beyond the conventional framework, creating a new kind of community space.
Comment from Toshima Ward Mayor Miyuki Takagi
Toshima Ward Mayor Miyuki Takagi said, "Kami-Ikebukuro Library embodies a new vision of a library that serves as a center for community, a place to belong, and a hub for cultural exchange. In addition to book lending and quiet spaces, it features lively floors, study rooms, a crafting space, and terrace seating connected to the park, and we are also planning a variety of events. We hope that everyone, from babies to adults, will come and visit."
Toshima City Kami-Ikebukuro Library Details Website
Facility Overview
- Facility opening date: Saturday, June 6, 2020
- Opening hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM / Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Closed on: the first Tuesday of each month, the fourth Friday of each month, and during the New Year's holiday (December 29th to January 4th).
- Location: 2-45-15 Kami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 8-minute walk from Kita-Ikebukuro Station on the Tobu Tojo Line
- Floor plan: Reinforced concrete structure, total floor area 1470.74 m², site area 1018.23 m², bicycle parking space for 30 bicycles.
Basement 1st Floor: Multipurpose hall, Fab Space (manufacturing space)
1st floor: A lively floor where you can freely chat.
2nd floor: A quiet floor where you can read books at your leisure.
concept
"A lively library surrounded by greenery"
Beyond simply addressing the aging building and facilities, we have developed a space that serves as a "place for belonging, interaction, and creativity," a first for Toshima Ward Libraries, with the aim of "realizing a new library with diverse roles."
Features
① Zoning into spaces where conversation is free and spaces where one can concentrate on reading.
The first floor is designed as a lively space where people can freely chat, and includes a children's and young adult (YA) corner. There are also lounge and terrace seating areas where food and drinks are permitted.
The second floor is a "quiet floor" where you can read books at your leisure, and it is equipped with study rooms and computer desks as a library space where you can concentrate on reading or studying. We have created an environment that can be used comfortably according to your purpose.
② Double the number of seats
Responding to numerous requests from local residents, we have expanded the seating capacity (from 74 to 164 seats). We have also prepared a variety of chairs. Furthermore, as the library is located on the former site of the Japanese National Railways, we have installed train-shaped seats on both the first and second floors, designed to resemble old JNR train cars.
③ Installation of study rooms and crafting spaces
We have also installed a "study room," which was a highly requested feature from local residents. In addition, we have set up a "fab space" for manufacturing on the first basement floor. We have equipped it with a UV printer, 3D printer, and laser cutter, providing a place for creativity. Furthermore, we will regularly have "manufacturing masters" (instructors) on hand to provide careful guidance.
Created with a UV printer
Created with a 3D printer
Created with a laser cutter
[Toshima Ward, Tokyo] From a press release
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