Hello everyone! I’m sorry I’m advance if this is a super simple question or something that can easily be found online. I tried searching around online, but maybe I’m going about it the wrong way because I couldn’t seem to find the answer I’m looking for. So thanks for your help in advance.
So I am a student here at a language school in Osaka, and recently I’ve decided to start trying a lot more than before with my studies. The last couple weeks, I’ve been going to a coffee shop to study for a few hours each day. Which is totally good! I am just one of those people that can’t study very well at home. Just can’t focus or lose motivation haha. The coffee house is fine, and coffee is cheap, but it does start to add up going everyday, sometimes twice (before and after school). And then I remember libraries haha.
My question is this. Are they free for anyone to come on in and use? Like can I go in there and study? Or do I need to sign up for a library card or something else first? There is one that is only about 600m from my apartment, so it would be a great place to go study. If you have any other helpful advice or resources I greatly appreciate any of it. Thank you!!
5 comments
You don’t need a library card to use a library.
You can sign up for a library card in the city you live, and often any city you work in or go to school in, if you want one. But it’s not mandatory just to go in.
Just waltz in.
You can just walk in use the tables. Just check if they have any weird rules such as no-computer room, etc.
You can ask them about getting a card when you want to borrow some books.
Which school in Osaka? I did a study abroad program there and am curious where you are studying at!
Why don’t you use the library on campus? Wouldn’t that be free and allow you to interact and find study buddies at your college.
>Are they free for anyone to come on in and use?
For public libraries basically anyone who lives, works, or studies in the prefecture/municipality can use the library.
>Like can I go in there and study?
Yes, but some libraries have restrictions. For example, you may only be allowed to study in certain parts of the library or they may have a limit on how long you can stay. You will need to look into the libraries specific rules. For example, many have ‘silent’ areas where you are not allowed to use a computer.
Also, competition for space can be kind of fierce. There are lots of retirees who go there to avoid having to pay for air conditioning at home. Also, after school there can be lots of other students (high school, etc.) so it can be difficult to find an open table/seat.
>Or do I need to sign up for a library card or something else first?
Usually not. You don’t need a library card unless you want to check something out or if you want to use some equipment (like the computers). Also, some have reservation systems for things like private study spaces so you will need a library card to make a reservation for those things.
>If you have any other helpful advice
Keep in mind (especially after COVID) that a lot of libraries, especially smaller ones, have limited hours, like 9 to 5. Also, they are not open everyday. For example, they are closed on Mondays and the third Thursday of the month. You’ll definitely want to look at their hours.
On the weekends, they often have various community activities, so it many not be that conducive to studying. I would also make sure to check their calendar for events.
You also might want to look at the public university libraries. Many have a system for members of the public or students at other schools to use their library. Usually you have to register for the service first and get a library card, then you can use the library. University libraries have better hours and much more space for studying than public libraries.