The International Library of Children’s Literature (ILCL) is a national library dedicated to children’s books, which provides internationally linked library services for children’s literature published in Japan and abroad. For details, please see the following page.
The ILCL collects a wide range of Japanese and foreign children's books and related materials. The ILCL also holds special materials and collections.
For details, please see the following pages.
Is it true that the ILCL holds all children's books published in Japan?
The NDL Law stipulates that copies of all new publications in Japan must be sent to the NDL under the Legal Deposit System. The ILCL has children's books and related materials of the publications collected by the NDL. However, some publications take a long time to be deposited and so some have not yet been sent to the NDL.
For further information, please see the following page.
The ILCL was founded as a branch of the National Diet Library in January 2000. It opened partially the following May and started full services in May 2002. For details, please see the following page.
The original Imperial Library building dates from1906 and was enlarged in 1929. The building (Brick Building) was remodeled in FY1997–FY2001 for use as the ILCL. The Arch Building was built in 2015. For further information, please go the following page.
There is a cafeteria on the 1st floor of the Brick Building, which serves drinks, sandwiches, and light meals. There is, however, no baby food.
Also, drinks are available from vending machines located in the Common room on the 1st floor of the Brick Building.
Patrons are allowed to bring food and drink into the following areas on the 1st floor of the Brick Building. Please be aware that space is limited and plan accordingly.
1st floor corridor.
Common room
Outdoor terrace
*Food and drink are allowed only in these designated areas and are prohibited elsewhere.
Do I have to follow any procedures to use the ILCL?
You do not have to follow any procedures to use the Children's Library, Meet the World, Museum, or some other areas. You can use the Researchers' Reading Room and materials in the stacks with your registered-user card. A one-day user card is also available for visitors who are not registered. Please follow the instructions at the reading room counter. (We will ask you to fill out an application form.)
Wi-Fi is available free of charge in the following areas.
1F Children's Library, Brick Building
2F Teens' Research Room, Brick Building
3F Hall, Brick Building
2F Researchers' Reading Room, Arch Building. (This room is for researching children's literature. User registration is required to enter.)
You have to register your e-mail address before connecting. For further information, please visit "How to Register Your Device to FREESPOT" on the FREESPOT website.
The ILCL's various digital resources and information are available via the ILCL website.
NDL Search
NDL Search enables patrons to perform comprehensive searches of materials and digital content at the NDL as well as at public, university, and specialized libraries or academic research institutions in Japan.
Patrons can apply to become a registered user or request library services.
NDL Digital Collections
This site enables a user to search and view a variety of resources, collected and stored by the NDL.
RESEARCH NAVI (mainly in Japanese)
This system navigates you to information on children's books, children's reading, and related subjects.
Online Gallery
Each exhibition is organized thematically, using digital images combined with commentary.
Kid's website (in Japanese)
This website provides easy-to-understand explanations about the NDL and the International Library of Children's Literature (ILCL) for elementary school students.
Explore, Learn, and Read: A Guide for Kids (in Japanese)
This content is designed to support reading and learning by providing useful information for research and book introductions for elementary school students.
Explore, Learn, and Read: A Guide for Teens (in Japanese)
This content is designed to support reading and learning by providing useful information for research and book introductions for junior high and high school students.
