Musashine city public library

One of my favorite places to be is in a library whether it be a university library or a public library, it doesn't matter. When I'm back at home, I love going to the Hope College library, even though I kind of feel like an impostor since I'm not a student there anymore.  Regardless, I just don a Hope hoodie, put some Ugg boots and black leggings on, get the wifi key from someone and generally blend right in.  My hometown library is similarly fantastic and always has great programming along with a tasty cafe.

Rules and tiny brooms on all library tables at ICU

The ICU library is slightly disappointing for a couple of reasons, but I'm still trying to give it a chance.  The thing I don't like most about it is the hours of operation.  It's only open from 8:30-10 p.m. most days and on Sundays it's only open from 1:00-7p.m.  It's closed on holidays or when school isn't in session, which happens a lot.  Another thing I don't like about it are the intense rules.  There's absolutely no talking on most floors and absolutely no eating or drinking - there are signs everywhere.  If you must have a water bottle with you, it has to be kept on the floor - it's not allowed to touch any table or desk.  The library is immaculate and there are reminders everywhere to keep it that way - on the group study tables there are even baskets with tiny hand brooms and dustpans to perfectly rid the table of any scraps before vacating.  Incredible.  One final thing that I don't like about it is that no visitors are allowed.  To enter, you have to have a student ID card so that means people like Sean, who live on campus and would like to study occasionally in the library, are not allowed in.



The ICU library has a couple redeeming qualities, however.  The technology is great and there are vast amounts of computers (both PC and Macs) available for student use.  On the basement floor, the only one where talking is allowed, there are several large whiteboards standing up next to group tables for brainstorming etc. - this is such a great idea! I have used them with my tutor to practice kanji and Japanese sentences before putting them down on paper. The last thing that I think is interesting about the library is that it has a high-tech book storage system that is completely run by a computer and machines.  If you want a book that is not in the more current stacks/sections, then once you find it in the online catalog, you just click a box, and the machines in the warehouse next door go to work.  A few minutes later, your book appears in a box that slides into the reference system on a conveyor belt.  It's amazing! During orientation, we got to go in the warehouse and see the behind-the-scenes action.  It was probably the most exciting part of the entire orientation.

Oh my gosh - can you believe it! So cute!

On holidays like today, the library is closed, which is frustrating because I would like to spend the whole day in a quiet place to study.  Thus, I have found a second appealing option - the local Musashino city public library.  I absolutely love this library and I am not alone; it was voted one of the best libraries in Tokyo and I feel lucky that it is only a fifteen minute bike ride away.  The design is spectacular and the cafe is even better.  I spent the whole afternoon and evening there today and it was love at first sight when my coffee came adorned with a super cute bear!  Later, when I had to switch tables to meet with my tutor, I ordered an herb tea and it came with a tiny hourglass to let me know when it was done steeping - so cool!  The study rooms are quiet, the staff is friendly and the facilities are bright and clean.  But lattes with animal graffiti? That's taking it to a whole new level!

Tea with hourglass timer

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