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Japan's book scene is moving from bookstores to libraries

241 points · 113 comments · herbertl

  1. Molitor5901 · · focus · HN ↗
    It would be interesting if libraries also operated, say, cafes. Rules apply of course, but it might create a job and add something extra to a library.
    1. ktallett · · focus · HN ↗
      Japan already has a range of cafes that let you read books, manga, or listen to music
    2. UncleOxidant · · focus · HN ↗
      There's a library in the neighboring suburb that has a little cafe in the lobby.
    3. jaw · · focus · HN ↗
      When visiting Delft in the Netherlands I was extremely jealous that the library there not only had a cafe, but that the cafe served wine and the whole place was open until like 11pm. Haven’t encountered anything like that in the US.
      1. therealdrag0 · · focus · HN ↗
        Oh wow I remember having the same feeling there. I had forgotten about that, thanks for the memory.
      2. Molitor5901 · · focus · HN ↗
        YES! I encountered the same thing in Melbourne some years ago, a little cafe just inside the library whose profits 100% went to the library.
    4. LtWorf · · focus · HN ↗
      I think at least a couple do have cafes here in Göteborg
    5. TulliusCicero · · focus · HN ↗
      This would definitely be a great thing to add.

      One thing that I don't like about American culture is that people are a little too hesitant about adding 'retail' into publicly-owned spaces. There's a reflexive attitude of that being A Bad Thing, even though most Americans who visit, say, Japan, really appreciate the various shops and kiosks they have in transit stations over there.

      I also really enjoyed in Germany when at the top of some hike there'd be an inn+restaurant, something Americans seem to treat as nearly anathema.

      1. ikr678 · · focus · HN ↗
        Given the rest of American culture is intensely commercialised, I can see why there is a desire to protect the remaining non-commercial spaces.

        My local library has an indepenently run coffee kiosk out front, the Council (local govt) own the facility and lease it to the operator, and presumably have some lease terms about allowable signage and branding.

        I'd probably feel differently if it was a mega franchise like Starbucks or McCafe right at the entrance of a civic building.

        1. TulliusCicero · · focus · HN ↗
          I understand why, but it often results in bad outcomes. Part of why transit in other countries is better is often precisely because of greater commercialization. It's not just that it's more convenient for travelers, but also it makes money to fund transit.
          1. RugnirViking · · focus · HN ↗
            this. and of course, the financial structure of these arrangements matters greatly. If the food places in the stations are making good money and the trains themselves are breaking even, you want the money to be flowing to the same people who run the trains, lest the train operator stops operating and the food places suddenly find themselves without customers.

            This means you can't for example have both the train operators and the food places pay rent to some third party that owns the station, it has to be the transit company owning the station to benefit from the footfall to it

        2. Molitor5901 · · focus · HN ↗
          I'd probably feel differently if it was a mega franchise like Starbucks or McCafe right at the entrance of a civic building.

          I would too. It would be in the government's interest to chose an operator and lease out space, but only if it were done in the most fair manner possible. I have no clue about such matters, I confess, but I would not want to see the idea politicized; as in only certain people can apply, or preferences given to certain classes. Perhaps a little contentious in the short run, but in the long term it would be better.

          And yes, alas, if it's Starbucks that has the best deal, then so be it. In fact, playing devil's advocate, what IF Starbucks said we'll give you 100% of our profits from this location on the sale of beverages?

          Probably best that the library gets the money from leasing the space, and let's the local operator earn whatever they can.

    6. [deleted] · · focus · HN ↗

      [deleted]

    7. code_duck · · focus · HN ↗
      Near where I live, there is a library facility that has a cafe. However, it's not a regular book-lending library... it's run by the country library system, but it's actually a free coworking space. They even have a music room with 4 stringed instruments, a computer, and an electronic drum kit as well as a podcasting studio.
    8. bee_rider · · focus · HN ↗
      The library in my town had coffee, but it was more like a library that had a little coffee than a cafe with a library, if that makes sense.
    9. Jach · · focus · HN ↗
      The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library's top floor has a cafeteria.
    10. justincormack · · focus · HN ↗
      The British Library appears to have 7 cafes <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.bl.uk&#x2F;visit&#x2F;eat-drink-shop" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.bl.uk&#x2F;visit&#x2F;eat-drink-shop
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