Towards a Library
Where Librarians Are
a Community HubConnecting People

Miki TEZUKA,
Chief Librarian, Shiwa Public LibraryIwateMy birthplace

My childhood:
Hungryforinformation

Shiwa

Tokyo

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ShiwaIwate, Japan

My birthplace

Shiwa

Tokyo

33,000 residents

My job was building a new libraryin Shiwa.

Grapes

Vegetables

WineApples

SakeBlackPigs

Rice Field

The town’s problems: Young people are leaving.
 Farmers are getting old.
 It’s getting hard to keepbusinesses going.

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9 years ago
The town decided to develop unused land.

SHIWA-Japan-DVD

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The development gave the area new life.

We value communication,debate issues, exchange ideas, anddiscuss how we can help.
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When we plan a small exhibit:
 Set an agenda (theme)
 Look for people who are familiar
with the subject
 Go out and listen to their stories
 Get them involved in the exhibit10We heard too few people work in
the forestry industry,
but Shiwa town has a policy of circulating
all of its resources.

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We found there are young people who
dedicated their lives to forests.

We went out to hear their stories and learned
they actually enjoy the work!
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Cool uniforms

Effective tools

Library display shows their life
Encourages people to join the industry
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He makes traditional sweets with themolds, but has no successors.
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Library visitors see actual people andactual culture of the town via the display.

A fly fishing rod made by
a new craftsman in the town

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Library displays actual goods and info
about related people and books.

A doll used in the festival

In the library, they can show theirelaborate work to the townspeople for amuch longer time.
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Involving people in exhibits makes them
become friends of the library.
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Look for Designs in Shiwa

These designs are our town’s identity

Library’s exhibits show what is
disappearing from the town.

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10 times / a year
60 times / 6 years

Each time, we collect new info
and develop new networks!!

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Librarians become databank of the town

15-2 司書の写真

Provide better reference services to the users
Better understand issues we face as a town
25We directly connect people with people

We invite young farmers who are growing
different veggies and crops
to gather in the library.
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Marketowner

Young
FarmerTown
officials

Young
Farmers
Librarian

Young
Farmers

Visit to rural area tosupport farmers

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Publisher

Working with an agriculture publisher:“Tips and tricks for growing vegetables”
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There was an easier way.
Learning made farming more enjoyable.

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Introducing the library and books“Why don’t you come?”
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“How to get rid of the insects
on a taro leaf?”

TaroSearched agriculture databasein the library33

Librarians
telling stories

Craft BeerFestival

A Night at theLibrary

Event for adults who cannot come to thelibrary during the daytime

People enjoy stories, thinking about issues,
and rediscovering the community.

36Librarians as a community hub
We are always there forpeople in Shiwa.

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Leave no one behind
Meet every single person in town
Connect them to what they need
Ensure they belong to the community38

People attached to the town
Care about the community
Proud of living here39

Connecting townspeople
as a hub of the community40

Thank you!

http://www.town.shiwa.iwate.jp
tezuka@town.shiwa.iwate.jp
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