Services for Persons with Disabilities (Tokyo Main Library Visitor Information)

The NDL has a collection of books, periodicals and other Braille resources and large print editions.
We recommend that you review what library materials are available and how to make request them before visiting the library. For information on library services, please contact the Service Management Section, Service Administration Division, Reader Services and Collections Department at +81-3-3581-2331. For the hearing impaired, inquiries by fax can be sent to +81-3-3581-2326. Recorded information on library holidays and opening hours is available in Japanese or English at +81-3-3506-3300.

The nearest subway station to the NDL is Nagatacho Station on the Yurakucho, Hanzomon, and Namboku lines. Kokkai-gijidomae Station on the Chiyoda and Marunouchi lines is also within easy walking distance. Metropolitan bus service is also available.

For details, see Access to the NDL webpage.

There is parking lot for library users near the visitors' entrance on the east side of the building, including two handicapped spaces. If this lot is full, feel free to use any available parking space, including those for commercial vehicles in the lot on the west side of the building. Please note that the west entrance to the library is also accessible to persons with disabilities.

A map of the library entrances, exits, and surrounding area is available on the Access to the NDL webpage.

For both the Main Building and the Annex, the visitors' entrance is located on the east side of the building. A guide strip leads from the street down through the slope or stairs to the east entrance. On weekdays, persons with disabilities can also enter through the entrance directly facing the National Diet Building on the south side of the building. A guide strip leads from the street to the south entrance. On Saturdays, the south entrance is not open, so please use the east entrance.

A map of the library entrances, exits, and surrounding area is available on the Access to the NDL webpage.

Patrons accompanied by guide dogs, service dogs, or hearing dogs are welcome to use the library.

Please do not hesitate to notify the library staff at the general information desks or any other counter should you require assistance to use the library. The library staff is available to help you enter the library, search for and request library materials, order copies, or use any other service provided at the library. We are also happy to assist you in using the cafeteria on the 6th floor of the Main Building or the coffee shops on the 3rd floor of the Main Building and the 1st floor of the Annex.

The library staff at any library counter will be happy to communicate with you in writing. Just ask for this service.

Barrier-free lockers are available at the visitors' entrance on the east side of the building.

We have wheelchairs and walking sticks available for use at the visitors' entrance on the east side of the building. Please inquire at the reception desk near the east entrance.

Handicap restrooms are available on the 2nd floor of the Main Building and on each floor of the Annex. Ostomy toilets are available on the 2nd floor of the Main Building and the 2nd floor of the Annex.

Elevators throughout the library are available in pairs, one of which is marked with a wheelchair sign.

A user terminal for the visually impaired with a Braille display and Braille keyboard is available. It can be used to read aloud DAISY files, websites, and other library resources.
A talking machine with magnified display is also available to read aloud printed materials and display them in enlarged characters on the screen.
This room is available for reading aloud library materials by assistants.
Just ask at the nearest counter to use the room. Reservation may be made up to a month in advance via phone or fax.

Print magnifying equipment is available in the Business, Science and Technology Room on the 2nd floor of the Main Building, the Humanities Room on the 2nd floor of the Main Building, and the Newspaper Reading Room on the 4th floor of the Annex as well as next to the Annex General Information Desk on the 2nd floor.

Hearing loops (audio induction loops) are available at most of service counters. A communication support speaker is also available at the general information desks and the user registration counter.

For details, see Services for Persons with Disabilities.

NDL libraries materials are available for loan to many local libraries via interlibrary loan, and the NDL's Remote Photoduplication Services as well as Reference Service are available via your local library. Consult with your local library or refer to the Using the Collections webpage for details.
The NDL loans audio recordings of academic literature made by the NDL (cassette tapes or DAISY format) to libraries that offer services to persons with disabilities. For further information, see Services for libraries providing services for persons with disabilities webpage (only in Japanese)