Located in central Obihiro, Hokkaido, Obihiro City Library is available not only to Obihiro residents but also to those living anywhere in the Tokachi region. Its central location makes it highly accessible. It serves as a comfortable community space where people can spend time reading, researching, or studying according to their own interests.
Its appeal extends beyond just using the building itself. Services such as the e-library, audiobooks, and a mobile library help bring books closer to people’s daily lives in ways that suit different lifestyles. The more you learn about it, the more you will discover ways to use the library that go beyond simply “borrowing books.”
From highlights on each floor to services offered outside the building, here is a comprehensive introduction to the attractions of Obihiro City Library.
Please note that the information in this article is current as of February 19, 2026. For the latest details, please check the Obihiro City Library website.
Obihiro City Library Website
Contents
Facility Highlights and Floor Guide
Obihiro City Library features a spacious three-story building. To help first-time visitors easily understand the layout, the main facilities and sections on each floor are summarized in the table below.
| Floor | Main Sections |
| 1st Floor | General counter, general literature, home economics, children’s books, young adult section, newspapers & magazines, AV corner |
| 2nd Floor | General books (excluding literature and home economics), dictionaries, regional and administrative materials |
| 3rd Floor | Café corner, relaxation lounge, reading terrace |
Next, let’s take a look at the highlights of each floor.
1st Floor | A Main Floor Enjoyed by All Generations
The first floor centers around the general counter where procedures such as borrowing and returning materials are handled.
In addition to shelves for general literature and home economics, the floor also features a well-stocked children’s book section and a young adult corner for middle and high school students, making it popular with visitors of all ages.
The newspaper and magazine corner, as well as the new arrivals section, make it easy to explore trending topics and the latest information.
There is also an AV corner where visitors can enjoy DVDs and CDs, allowing them not only to read but also to watch and listen.
2nd Floor | A Floor Strong in Research and Local Materials
The second floor houses general books other than literature and home economics, along with dictionaries and regional or administrative materials. It also offers a rich collection of materials related to municipalities throughout Hokkaido as well as local Tokachi, making it a valuable floor for those researching regional topics.
A “Reference Consultation Counter” is also available where visitors can ask for help with research questions and receive professional guidance when they are stuck in their studies or investigations.
Another feature is the availability of spaces where visitors can study in a calm and focused atmosphere. In addition to seats for quietly reading books, there are rooms where you can work with your PC and rooms for collaborative research, each designed for different purposes.
3rd Floor | A Floor for Both Dining and Studying
The third floor features a café corner where visitors can take a break during reading.
It is a place where people can relax in their own way—having a light meal or studying while enjoying a drink. During exam season, you can often see students studying hard while staying hydrated.
The café menu includes sandwiches, spaghetti, and sweets, making it easy to satisfy a small hunger during study breaks.
On the seasonal reading terrace, visitors can enjoy reading in an open and refreshing outdoor atmosphere.
Three Key Points to Know When Using Obihiro City Library
Here are three basic rules you should know before visiting the library.
User Registration Is Required to Borrow Books
To borrow books from Obihiro City Library, you must register as a user. Registration procedures can be completed at the “General Counter” on the first floor.
Eligible Users
- General Users: Residents of Obihiro City or those who work or study in Obihiro
- Regional Users: Residents of the Tokachi region
- Long-term Visitors: People staying in the Tokachi region for four weeks or longer for work or other reasons
Three Services That Extend Beyond the Library Building
1.E-Library
The e-library is an “online library” that can be accessed from a smartphone or PC. Even on days when work or housework makes it difficult to stop by the library, you can still open a book in your spare moments.
2.Audiobooks
Audiobooks are a service that lets you enjoy “reading by listening.” Because you can listen while doing housework or while traveling, they are recommended as a gateway back to books for people who have drifted away from reading.
3.Mobile Library
The mobile library bus “Naumann-go” travels around the city carrying about 3,500 books, bringing “encounters with books” to areas farther away from the library.
Event Information | The Library as a Place for Community
Movie Screenings
Free movie screenings are regularly held in the multipurpose audiovisual room on the first floor.
Storytime
Storytime is an event where children can interact with books through picture-book readings and storytelling.
Obihiro City Library — A Place That Sows the Seeds of Reading in Everyday Life
Obihiro City Library is a base for people who want to read and people who want to research, with its rich collection of books.
Through its e-library and audiobooks, it creates opportunities to connect with books even on days when people cannot visit the library.
If you feel that you have been a little distant from books lately, why not stop by Obihiro City Library on a whim?
