Guide For Library Users (English)
- To those using our library for the first time
- When checking out a book
- When returning a book
- For handicapped persons
- Reservations and requests
- When you want to do research
- About group checkouts
1. To those using our library for the first time
Hirakata Public Library is composed of 8 libraries, 10 branch libraries, and a mobile library that goes around to 27 stations. Our library helps everyone find the book they want to read or the information they are looking for.
2. When checking out a book
If you are a citizen of Hirakata and a worker or student, you can check out books for free.
Please bring an item that can confirm your name and address (drivers license,
a piece of mail). We will make a library card for you.
*In October of 2002 it became possible to use a number of districts in Kitakawachi.
Checkout Limits
A maximum of 12 books, magazines, etc can be checked out by one person.
Checkout Period
Two weeks.
If you did not finish reading an item you can check it out again provided that
the item has not been reserved. Please notify us by phone or in person before
the items due date.
3. When returning a book
When the library is open just put your books on the main counter.
When the library is closed please put your books into the book deposit slot (ほんのポスト).
Any book or magazine checked out from the Hirakata Public Library can be returned
to any library in the city.
4. For handicapped persons
For those with reading difficulties due to print type
We currently make and provide recorded and Braille books. We also have people who will read for you.
We have reading devices for enlarging and projecting pages as well as books in large print.
- Recorded Books Central Library
- Braille Books Central Library
- Book Recitation All local libraries
- Libraries That Provide Reading Devices Central Library, Kuzuha Library, Sugawara Library, Sada Library, Gotenyama Library, and Tsuda Library
For those who are hearing impaired
Central Library, Makino Library, Kourigaoka Library, Gotenyama Library and 6 branch libraries provide Japanese comics.
For those who have difficulty coming to a library
We deliver the books you want to read to your house. Please inquire to the Central Library.
Hospital Services
Once every two weeks the mobile library goes around to the Hiarakata City Hospital and the Hoshigaoka Kouseinenkin Hospital to lend books. Every two months we put on a puppet show and other events at the children's hospital. (The mobile library is in charge of these activities.)
5. Reservations and requests
In order to guarantee everyone's right to free access to information, we take reservations and requests. When you cannot find a certain book or magazine or when you are looking for a book that is not in our library, by all means please contact us.
6. When you want to do research
If there is something that you want to research, please call the Hirakata Public Library or notify us at the main counter and we will help you. We will inquire to the related institutions. Also, please use the links (Japanese) on this homepage.
7. About group checkouts
For family or classroom libraries, after school program, kindergarten, and day care center (nursery school) groups, up to 50 books can be checked out for four weeks. For details please ask the Central Library.
Inquiries
Hirakata Public Library (Central Library)
Kurumaduka 2-1-1, Hirakata City, 573-1159
Phone Number: 050-7105-8141
Fax Number: 072-851-0962
