(3 Feb 2026) When someone is not sure what book to read, a librarian’s advice can lead them to a book that unexpectedly stays in their heart forever. The working environment for librarians, who play such a vital role, should be improved to enhance the appeal of libraries.
An expert panel at the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry has compiled a draft report urging the revitalization of public libraries operated by local governments and other entities. This comes amid a trend of declining reading habits and the fact that the number of library users has not returned to the levels before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The draft report also called for creating environments in which people with disabilities can enjoy reading and utilizing picture book specialists to foster familiarity with books from early childhood. It is also vital to establish a robust operational framework to enable libraries to fulfill their diversifying roles.
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