Free, takes ten minutes, and almost nobody tells you it is available to you.
Not verified yet
Drafted from general knowledge of common practice. Confirm details with the specific facility.
Why it matters
Public libraries are free to residents regardless of nationality, usually stock some foreign-language material, and provide quiet workspace and air conditioning. It is a small thing that makes a city feel like it belongs to you — which is most of the point of this app.
- Deadline
- No legal deadline
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 10–20 minutes
Do these first
What to bring
- Proof of address住所が確認できるもの·jūsho ga kakunin dekiru mono
Your residence card with the current address on the back is normally enough.
How it goes
- 1
Go to any library run by your municipality
You generally need to live, work, or study in the municipality. Bring your residence card.
Say this
図書館カードを作りたいのですが。
Toshokan kādo o tsukuritai no desu ga.
I would like to make a library card.
- 2
Fill in a short form and receive the card
Usually issued on the spot, free of charge.
- 3
Ask what else the card gets you
Many libraries offer reservation systems, inter-library requests, study rooms, and free access to research databases.