The Children’s Room has over 8,000 books including picture books, fictions, non-fictions, folktales and poetry books. Although not large in size, the collection is carefully chosen by the staff with extensive knowledge. Children can come and read to their hearts’ content, and the staff are always ready to read to, or help them choose books. The cozy, intimate atmosphere and personal care makes this room quite unique.
The Research Room began in 1974 to provide researchers and students with materials relating to children’s literature and reading. It has about 20,000 volumes, including classical and rare children’s books, research books on children’s literature, storytelling, folklore, mythology, education, etc. It also has a collection of books donated by Eileen Colwell, a British pioneer children’s librarian.
Tokyo Children’s Library also focuses on human resource development. It offers many programs such as a two-year storytelling course, lectures, seminars and workshops. It also publishes quarterly journal, book guides, texts on storytelling, collection of stories and bibliographies, disseminating the ideas, knowledge and experience the library has gained from their activities. The sale of publications serve as an important revenue of income of the library.
