English Information

Using the Library

Library hours and closing information

Library hours

Central and Ward Libraries Tuesday-Friday 9 am-7 pm
Weekends and National Holidays 9 am-5 pm
Peace Memorial Day (August 6) 9 am-5 pm
Note: The Central Library will be open from 9 am-6 pm on weekends and national holidays in July and August, including August 6.
Children's Library 9 am-5 pm
Manga Library and Asa Reading Room 10 am-5 pm
Saeki Ward Library Yuki-Kōno Reading Room Tuesday-Friday 9 am-6 pm
Weekends and National Holidays 10 am-5 pm
Peace Memorial Day (August 6) 10 am-5 pm

Closing information

  • Every Monday (library will remain open if August 6 or national holidays fall on a Monday)
  • The day following national holidays (if this falls on a weekend, Monday, or national holidays, the library will be closed the next business day)
  • Library inventory days (the last day of odd-numbered months; should that day fall on a weekend or Monday, inventory day shall be the last Friday of the month)
  • New Years Holidays (December 29-January 4; if January 4 falls on a Monday, the library shall be closed until January 5)
  • Special inventory Period (within 7 days in the period from April 1 to March 31 of the next year)

How to use the library

Getting a library card

  • A library card is needed in order to check out materials.
    Apply for a library card at the circulation desk.
  • Those who reside/ work/ go to school in Hiroshima City, and those who live in the Hiroshima Regional Urban Area(HRUA)* are eligible for a Library Card.
    HRUA: Hiroshima City, Kure City, Takehara City, Mihara City, Ōtake City, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hatsukaichi City, Aki-Takata City, Etajima City, Fuchū Town, Kaita Town, Kumano Town, Saka Town, Aki-Ōta Town, Kita-Hiroshima Town, Ōsaki-Kamijima Town, Sera Town, Iwakuni City, Yanai City, Suō-Ōshima Town, Waki Town, Kaminoseki Town, Tabuse Town, Hirao Town, Hamada City, Misato Town, Ōnan Town.
  • When applying for or renewing your Library Card, you will need a form of ID that verifies your name and address (Driver's License, Health Insurance Card, School ID, etc).

Borrowing our library books

  • Your Library Card may be used at any Hiroshima City library with a limit of borrowing a total of 10 books maximum for up to two weeks across all libraries
  • Cards will be issued to individuals; members of your family cannot use your card, however in extenuating circumstances, such as hospitalization, where it is not possible to visit the library, it is possible to borrow books via proxy.

Returning our library books

  • Library books can be returned to any Hiroshima City library.
  • Return your books to the Return Counter (no library card necessary).
  • If the library is closed, place your books in the book drop box.
  • When returning books to your community hall, please keep in mind that it may take a few days to process your return. Be sure to read the notice regarding community hall return box usage posted in your local community hall.
  • You can also return books to the Hiroshima City University Library (collection day is Thursday).
  • Books may also be returned to Aeon Mall Gion or Fukuya Department Store (Hiroshima Station location)(inside Junkudo Bookstore(10F)). Books will be collected every day except for when the library is closed.
Note: when returning books to places other than Hiroshima City libraries, be aware that it may take a few days to process your return.

Book reservation

  • You can reserve books and materials in our collection (20 books maximum per person).
  • We also accept requests for books that are not in our collection. Please inquire at your local library for more information.
Note: we may not be able to acquire all requested books.

Copying service

  • Copy service is available in accordance with the Copyright Act.
  • Copying is allowed only for materials owned at the city library.
    Black/white 10 yen / page
    Color 20 yen / page

Events and more

  • Various events such as book club, seminar, and exhibits are held at city libraries throughout the year. Event information is posted on the Hiroshima City Libraries website; printed fliers are also available.