Picture Book Museum facts for kids

The Museum of Picture Books, also known as the Picture Book Library, is a special library located in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture in Japan. It was designed in 2005 by the famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando. This unique library was originally created mainly for three preschools in the area. However, many visitors also come to the library on days it's open to the public. They want to see Ando's amazing design and enjoy the large collection of international children’s books.

Exploring the Building's Design

The Museum of Picture Books is a special place with a simple yet clever design. The building covers about 492 square meters, and the total space inside is around 634 square meters. When you step inside, you'll notice that there aren't many decorations. Instead, the bright and colorful children’s books themselves are the main decoration! They are displayed with their covers facing out, making the whole space feel lively and inviting.

Materials Used in Construction

Only three main materials were used to build this library: smooth, reinforced concrete, clear glass, and warm wood. Some people might think concrete looks plain or cold, but Tadao Ando, the architect, sees it differently. He believes concrete can be warm and interesting. He once said that concrete can have many rich colors, and these different shades create a feeling of depth.

Light and Color Inside

The building uses color in a very simple way. The only bright colors you'll see come from the books themselves. This is different from how many places for children in Western countries are decorated, which often have lots of bright colors and soft shapes. In this library, the hallways are kept a bit dark on purpose. This might seem unusual, but Ando explains it by saying, "You will be able to see the light because of the darkness." This means the darker areas make the bright parts, like where the books are, stand out even more.

Discovering the Book Collection

The library has a wonderful collection of picture books from all over the world. These books are specifically chosen for young children. There are about 1,300 books in total! This collection was put together privately before it was shared with the library. Some of the famous authors whose books you can find here include Maurice Sendak, Marie Hall Ets, Edward Gorey, and Kate Greenaway.

Who Uses the Library?

The idea for the Picture Book Library started in 2003. It was created to serve three local preschools: Iwaki, White Rose, and Alice Preschools. These preschools use the building from Monday to Thursday.

Visiting the Library as a Public Guest

If you're not part of the preschools, you can still visit the library! The public can enjoy the building on Fridays. To visit, you need to send a written request and you'll receive an invitation with a specific date. The entrance is free, and visitors can arrive by walking, driving a car, or taking a bus.