Purpose: This study considered library models that enhance the inclusiveness of local communities, using the “town-wide library” initiative in public libraries as a case study.
Method: Beginning in April 2024, fieldwork and interviews with library staff were conducted. Data related to town-wide library initiatives, primarily based around public libraries in Koryo-Town (Nara Prefecture) and Bizen City (Okayama Prefecture) in Japan, were analyzed.
Results: Features of the town-wide library initiative included: 1. the use of recycled books (e.g. , books in the seat pockets of community buses); 2. collaboration with businesses (e.g., book shelves in commercial spaces); 3. collaboration with school libraries (e.g., lending school library books and facility use); 4. establishment of community libraries in local meeting places; 5. creation of spaces for children to gather in a specific collaboration with candy stores; 6. mobile libraries using second-hand cars; 7. implementation of reading-aloud volunteer activities outside of libraries (outreach activities).
Conclusions: The study found that inclusive community hubs must be accessible and free to use. Through case-study examination and interviews, this study identified participation and opportunities that draw out residents’ initiative, as well as a system that makes the book-recycling visible, as necessary elements of the project.
In Japan, the construction of inclusive communities is emphasized in the context of social issues such as the declining birthrate and ageing population, depopulation in rural areas, and the acceptance of diversity. The aim of a town wide library (Japanese name Machi-juu Toshokan) initiative is to create community space where people can connect with each other. By considering the community as an extended library and distributing books from the library to various locations throughout the community, the initiative promotes interaction through books. The initiative involves setting up bookshelves in cafes, hair salons, hospitals, shops, and private homes so that anyone can pick up and exchange books freely. The town-wide library movement began in 2006 with the Obuse Town-Wide Library Project in Nagano Prefecture. It is now spreading across the country. Libraries can play important roles as hubs that connect the entire community, beyond simply as places to borrow books. This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers JP22K02401, JP24K05491.
