The International Library of Children's Literature (ILCL), located in the Ueno Park, Tokyo, was established in January 2000 and started its services in May of the same year, using a renovated one-third of the former Imperial Library building. The full opening of the expanded space was in May 2002.The main building, designated as a historic building by the Tokyo metropolitan government, was constructed in 1906 and expanded in 1929. In architect Tadao Ando’s design and structure of the library’s new addition, the architectural heritage of the interior and exterior was preserved as much as possible. The steel frame, reinforced concrete, and glass extention by Tadao Ando added approximately 5,433 square meters to the older brick building.
The ILCL is the first national library of its kind in Japan. It has three roles--a special library for children’s literature, a place for children to get close to books, and a museum of children’s books. The ILCL supports the activities of local libraries, provides direct services for children, and is a national center supporting research and study on children’s literature. The ILCL work is guided by the principle, “Children’s books link the world and open up the future.”
To see an example from the digital library, this link will take you to ten pages of "Momotaro" (The Peach Boy), a well-known Japanese nursery tale. Click on the little arrow to start.
