Tokyo Metropolitan Library: Main Library (東京都立中央図書館)

About the Library:

The Central Library supports surveys, research and the finding of solutions to problems for the residents of Tokyo. The library holds about 1,800,000 items (350,000 on open shelves), 7,000 periodical titles, and 1,000 newspaper titles.

Collection Size:

• Books: 1,800,000 volumes (350,000 on open shelves)

• Periodicals: 7,000 titles

• Newspapers: 1,000 titles.

Notable Collection(s):

• The Special Collection Room holds about 263,000 items (including copied materials on microfilm), which are mainly from the late Edo period to the early Meiji period.  The collections include Japanese and Chinese books, maps, Nishiki-e (錦絵), correspondence,Takuhon (拓本, rubbed copies), calligraphy, and photographs.

• 東京誌料: The Tokyo related documents originate from a collection established with a 10,000 yen donation to the city of Tokyo to mark the inauguration of the Taishō Emperor in 1912.

• 戦時特別買上図書: These collections consist of scholars and collected books purchased by the City of Tokyo, Tokyo-to (東京都).  The collection was saved from the fire bombings of the Second World War by being sent outside Tokyo.

• 寄託・寄贈資料: These collections were donated to the library as gifts.

Note: For the list of collections and descriptions, please go to 特別図書のご案内.

Note: The Guide uses the ALA/LC standard romanization, however, it also reflects different romanization system used by an individual institution.

Using the Library

Library Schedule:

• Special Collection Room: 10:00-17:30

• Audio Visual Room: 13:00-17:30,  Saturday, Sunday, Holidays: 10:00-17:30

Prior to the Visit: No Advance Inquiry and Preparation Required 

• The Online Catalog: Please find information materials by using Library Catalog.

Floor Plan:

• Please go to "Guide to the Library" on their webpage.

Photocopy:

• Please read "Photo duplication Services" on their webpage.

Accessing Rare Materials:

Prior to the visit:

• Please call or send Library Materials Request Form by e-mail to make an appointment.

• Library materials request form (図書閲覧願 Tosho etsuran negai ) from your home institution library.  Please use the following form if your home institution does not have one:

• Library Materials Request Form (Word,  PDF)

• And send it to:
• E-mail: mailmaster#library.metro.tokyo.jp (please replace # with @)
• The application for registration is required to view Edo-jō zōei kankei shiryō 江戸城造営関係資料-Documents related to Edo castle construction (important cultural property).

Upon Arrival:

• Please fill out  Tokubetsu bunko riyōhyō (特別文庫利用票)  at the counter.

Photocopy:

• Photocopy services are provided in accordance with Japanese copyright laws.

• The original materials cannot be copied.

• Please go to the Copy room on 1st floor for copies of originals such as microfilm materials.

We are constantly improving the guide contents and we want your opinion.

For all comments and questions about the Guide, please e-mail us:

mlaguide@nccjapan.net