Help : Site facilities

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is there anywhere to eat inside?
Q: Are there vending machines or a kiosk in the Library?
Q: Is there anywhere I can use my phone? Are there public phones?
Q: Is there anywhere I can use WiFi (wireless LAN) in the Library?
Q: Is there an ATM in the Library?
Q: What sort of support is available for those with disabilities?
Q: What is the difference between the Main Building and the Annex of the Tokyo Main Library?
Q: What is the meaning of Greek phrase written above the Requests counter in the Tokyo Main Library?
Q: I don't think the air-conditioning in the Library is very effective.

Q: Is there anywhere to eat inside?
A: Tokyo Main Library; There is a cafeteria on the 6th floor of the Main Building as well as cafes on the 1st floor of the Annex and the 3rd floor of the Main Building.
Please refer to the cafeteria and cafe business hours for more information on Opening Hours & Library Holidays.; Kansai-kan Library; There is a cafeteria on the 4th floor.
Please refer to the cafeteria business hours for more information on Opening Hours & Library Holidays.; International Library of Children's Literature; There is a cafeteria on the 1st floor of the Brick Building.

Q: Are there vending machines or a kiosk in the Library?
A: Tokyo Main Library; There are vending machines and a kiosk located on the 6th floor of the Main Building.; Kansai-kan Library; There is no kiosk, but there are vending machines located on the 4th floor.; International Library of Children's Literature; There is no kiosk, but is a vending machine on the 1st floor of the Brick Building, and the cafeteria on the same floor sells bottled drinks and candies etc.

Q: Is there anywhere I can use my phone? Are there public phones?
A: Tokyo Main Library; Please limit use of mobile phones inside the Library to those locations displaying "Phone calls permitted" signs.
Public phones are installed in the walkway joining the 2nd floor of the Main Building with the 2nd floor of the Annex, and the cafe located on the 3rd floor of the Main Building.; Kansai-kan Library; We ask that you keep any phone conversations outside the Reading Rooms. There are no public phones on site.

Regarding the use of mobile phones, please be aware that phone calls may not be available in some locations due to poor reception.

Q: Is there anywhere I can use WiFi (wireless LAN) in the Library?
A: Tokyo Main Library; You can use WiFi (wireless LAN) in the Hall and in Reading Room 1 of the Main Building, as well as the Hall and Reading Room of the Annex.; Kansai-kan Library; WiFi is available in some reading rooms (including the General Collections Room and the Asian Resources Room), as well as some Study Room areas. Please inquire at the General Information Desk for more information.

Q: Is there an ATM in the Library?
A: Tokyo Main Library; There is an ATM installed near the cafe on the 3rd floor of the Main Building.; Kansai-kan Library; There is no ATM available.

Q: What sort of support is available for those with disabilities?
A: Library staff will offer support. If you have any requests, please contact nearby staff.
In addition, various kinds of equipment and devices are available within the Library to support persons with disabilities, including disabled toilet facilities, wheelchair reading seats, reading magnification devices, etc.

Q: What is the difference between the Main Building and the Annex of the Tokyo Main Library?
A: First-time visitors to the Library should use the entrance on the Annex side.
We recommend those with registered-user cards use the entrance on the Main Building side.
The Main Building and Annex are connected by a walkway, enabling users to come and go freely.

Q

What is the meaning of Greek phrase written above the Requests counter in the Tokyo Main Library?

A

This phrase, taken from the preamble to the National Diet Library Law, expresses the firm conviction that truth makes us free.

Q: I don't think the air-conditioning in the Library is very effective.
A: In accordance with Japanese national policies, such as global warming countermeasures and power shortage measures in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the National Diet Library promotes energy-saving measures while maintaining an environment for users to read its collections as well as an environment for conserving library materials. Specifically, cooling is set to a constant temperature of 28°C, while heating is set to a constant temperature of 19°C, with office and corridor lighting also reduced in order to conserve electricity. While this policy may inconvenience some users, in view of the overall benefits we thank you for your understanding and cooperation.