In front of the JR Kinomoto Station entrance, there is Kohoku Library, the third oldest private library in the country, founded in 1902.
You probably think it’s unusual to see such an old library privately operating in such a small town, and I agree. There is a background story that may help you understand what Kinomoto town is like.
When a young student born in Kinomoto town, Sugino Bunya, went to Tokyo to become a lawyer, he was impressed with the library accessible to all people to satisfy their intellectual curiosity. He dreamed of establishing a similar facility in his hometown once he succeeded in his career. At the time, there was a growing movement to establish libraries across the country. The predecessor of Kohoku Library, known as “Sugino Bunko,” was established in 1902. Subsequently, with the support of local dignitaries, the Kohoku Library Foundation was established and began operating as a library.
Founding Story
Despite the economic challenges, even during WWII and difficult times, they never stopped their operation to serve as a social responsability. There was no public library from Hikone to the northern part of Shiga until 1980s.
Inherited Vision
Continuing Sugino’s vision of “enhancing culture for all people living in the community and supporting the future of children,” Kohoku Library has been cherished as a private library with approximately 45,000 volumes. The passion has been passed down to the next generations of the town. They achieved a crowdfunding project to repair some parts of the building and install a bathroom.
Newly Open Space
Next to the library, you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee and some sweets in collaboration with the local bakery Tsuruya at the café space. And you can get free-wifi here.
Visit the historical place and feel the passion still alive!
Info. Kohoku library
Opened: 10:00-16:00
Closed: Thursdays and Wednesdays, New Year’s holidays
Distance from guesthouse: 10 minutes by bike
