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*  Reading Room User's Guide



Eligibility: Anyone wanting to read materials held by the Toyo Bunko for the purpose of studying the history and culture of Asia. Personal identification or Toyo Bunko library card required.
Library cards are recommended for frequent users who want quick access to the facilities.
Hours: 9:30 - 16:30
Call Slip Reception: 9:30 - 11:50、13:00-16:00
Library Holidays: Tuesdays,Sundays, National Holidays(from 2015/4/1)
Use Fee: Free of charge
Lending Policy: Toyo Bunko is a non-circulating library. The use of all library holdings is strictly limited to the Reading Room.
Application and Use: Beginning on 1 April 2009, Reading Room operations will be transferred from Diet Library management to the Toyo Bunko staff. From that day on, all users will be requested to fill out the Reading Room Use Application.

○Initial Procedures
    [General Users]
    Please fill out the Application (Sample)and submit it to the Reference Room Desk along with one piece of personal identification. The ID will be held at the Desk until you are ready to leave for the day.

    [ Toyo Bunko Society of Friends Member.]
    Please fill out the Application and submit it to the Reference Room Desk along with your Society membership card.

○Ensuing Procedures
  • The next time you use the Reading Room, please submit your Library Card, which will be held at the Desk until you are ready to leave for the day.

  • [General User Without Library Card]
  • If you do not have a Library Card, please submit a piece of identification, which will be held at the Desk until you are ready to leave for the day.
    Those users who do not hold Library Cards will be requested to fill out a Reading Room Use Application Form every 12 months.

[ Society of Friends Member Without Library Card]
If you are a Society of Friends member without a library card, please submit your Society membership card, which will be held at the Desk until you are ready to leave for the day.
Those Society members who do not hold Library Cards will be requested to fill out a Reading Room Use Application Form every 12 months.

○Acceptable Personal Identification
  • Any credential that will enable certification of your name and address, such as a student body card, driver's license, national health insurance certificate, alien registration card or passport. Those users holding Library Cards or Society of Friends membership cards need not present any other form of identification.

○Obtaining a Toyo Bunko Library Card
    Library Cards will be issued to a general user who has been verified as either a professional researcher or has been recommended by a professional researcher, who has filled out and signed the recommendation items on the Reading Room Use Application Form.
    Society of Friends members do not need a recommendation to be issued Library Cards. Merely submit your Society membership card at the Desk and request a Library Card.
    Library Cards are valid for one year. When your card expires, please return it to the Desk to obtain a current one.
    Please inform the Desk immediately of any changes that occur in the information on the card.

○Application in Advance
  • 1.Applications for use of the Reading Room may be sent beforehand by mail or FAX. Please print and fill out the form provided here , then mail or FAX it to the following contact.Please save the original application and present it and one piece of personal identification to the Desk when you come to the Reading Room.
    2. Reserving Microfilm Readers
  • Anyone can reserve microfilm readers for study or research purposes. Reservations are made at the library reception. This can also be done by email or postal mail. You may use the microfilm readers without reservation, but bookings have priority. It is advisable to reserve materials in advance. Please make sure to fill out the reservation slip at library reception or send an email or FAX After receiving your application, we will respond as soon as possible with information.

  • Address:
    Toyo Bunko Library Reading Room 2-28-21 Honkomagome Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0021

    FAX 03-3942-0120 (81-03-3942-0120)

Users may bring into the Reading Room only paper and pencil for note taking. Please apply to the Desk librarian if you plan to use a personal computer or reference materials while in the Room. Please store all other personal belongings in the coin operated lockers provided for users outside the Room. Deposited coins are refunded after locker use.


*  Photocopying Service

Please fill out the Application and submit it at the Desk together with the materials to be copied. Photocopying requests may also be submitted by mail, FAX or e-mail of Toyo Bunko (located here). with this Application form.
Please refer to this Fee Chart for the type of services provided and their cost.

*  Reference Service

Type of Service Provided

 1.Title availability search of Library holdings
 2.Title information search of Library holdings
 3.Library holdings search method support

Please refer all inquires, whether in person, by telephone, FAX or e-mail to the Reference Room staff at

Phone:03-3942-0122 (81-03-3942-0122)
FAX :03-3942-0120 (81-03-3942-0120)
E-Mail: Please use this Form

Toyo Bunko Library Reading Room 2-28-21 Honkomagome Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0021


Unavailable Services

 1.Appraisal of rare books, works of art, etc. including market value estimates.
 2.Title or reading list recommendations
 3.Reading, interpretation, translation or annotation of Library holding content.
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