Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Libraries

Takeo City Library

Takeo, Japan

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST LIBRARIES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 78 2026
Takeo City Library

A public library in Takeo, Saga Prefecture, combined with a Tsutaya bookstore and Starbucks café, renovated in 2013. Visitors see tall curved bookshelves, wooden ceilings and glass skylights across a two-storey atrium.

Highlights

  • Curved bookshelves on second floor
  • Wooden atrium with skylights
  • Children's library in separate building

Good to know

  • Photography only at designated spots
  • Open daily 9 AM to 9 PM
  • Free parking in large lot

Also in Japan

  1. Ishikawa Prefectural Library N° 18 Ishikawa Prefectural Library Kanazawa Public library
  2. Yusuhara Community Library N° 37 Yusuhara Community Library Yusuhara Public library
  3. Gifu Media Cosmos N° 53 Gifu Media Cosmos Gifu Public library
  4. Nakajima Library N° 69 Nakajima Library Akita University library
  5. Toyama City Public Library N° 83 Toyama City Public Library Toyama Public library
  6. Miyakonojo City Library N° 84 Miyakonojo City Library Miyakonojo Public library