The International Library of Children's Literature (ILCL), Branch of the National Diet Library, was fully opened on May 5, 2002.  For the ILCL Website, please see here (text in Japanese).  The ILCL was partially opened on May 5, 2000.  As the first national library of its kind in Japan, it aims to acquire domestic and foreign children's literature and related materials, and make them available to the public.  It is also promoting services appropriate to the 21st century, making use of digital library functions. 

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On May 4, 2002, the opening ceremony was held, inviting Her Imperial Highness Crown Princess Masako, Diet members, local elementary school students and other people.  The commemorative exhibition "Friends in wonderland" is being held during May 5 thru September 14, 2002.  On July 8, the commemorative symposium "From folktale to story" will be held, inviting experts from inside and outside Japan. 

Building
The present building was constructed in 1906 and expanded in 1929.  It is designated as a historic building by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.  While preserving the original form, it has been remodeled for its function as a children's library.  The remodeling was completed and the library was fully opened in May 2002.

The design and structure of the interior and exterior of the valuable architectural heritage has been preserved as much as possible.  The building has also been made earthquake-resistant to protect it from major earthquakes. 
 

Services
Anyone can use the ILCL, but in principle, only people over 18 years of age or older can use the Researchers・Resources on the second floor.

Resources

Resources and Information
In addition to the domestic books and documents acquired via legal deposit, the ILCL collects a wide range of literature and related materials from overseas.  It also collects specialized information on children's literature and related materials.

Digital Library
Digital archive and digital museum functions support the ILCL, in addition to the PR and user guide functions of the ILCL website.

• Digital Archive: Specialized information is accumulated and provided in digital formats.  e.g. Union catalog database of children's literature (in Japanese), Digital image database of children's literature
• Digital Museum: Virtual exhibition programs, which are based on picture books and other valuable images, are created and provided.  e.g. Picture Book Gallery (in Japanese) 

Outline of services

Reading On-site
Reading, photocopying and reference services are available in the ILCL.

Exhibitions and Events
Through exhibitions and events, the ILCL seeks to make children's books attractive and provides opportunities for children to be familiar with them.

Cooperation with School Libraries and Other Related Institutions
The ILCL lends selected sets of books and provides reference services to school libraries all over Japan.  It also provides interlibrary loan, photocopy and reference services to public libraries and other institutions.

Collection (as of May 2002)

International Library of Children's Literature
12-49 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007 Japan
Tel: 81-3-3827-2053; Fax: 81-3-3827-2043
Web site: http://www.kodomo.go.jp
E-mail:info@kodomo.go.jp