History of Nakanoshima Library
Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library was constructed and donated to Osaka by the Sumitomo family in 1904. It opened as the Osaka Library. The building was designed by Magosaburo Noguchi and Yutaka Hidaka, and the opening ceremony was held on February 25, 1904.
In 1906, the institution was renamed the Osaka Prefectural Library. It subsequently served for many years as Osaka Prefecture’s only prefectural library.
In 1950, a branch library was established in Tennoji following a donation of books from the Ohara Institute for Social Research. The branch played a role in managing and collecting library materials.
In 1974, the library was given its present name, Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library. In the same year, the historic building was designated a National Important Cultural Property.
Opening of Osaka Prefectural Central Library
When the Osaka Prefectural Central Library opened in Higashiosaka in 1996, most of Nakanoshima Library’s general collection was transferred there.
Patent materials and science and technology resources were transferred to the newly established Osaka Prefectural Patent Information Center, which made use of the former Yuhigaoka Library building after that library closed.
Launch of Business Support Services
In 2004, Nakanoshima Library began offering business support services. These services provide useful information and resources for businesspeople and have become popular with library users.
The annex also hosts educational programs for working adults, including satellite classes of the Kansai University Graduate School of Law and courses offered by the graduate schools of nursing and rehabilitation at Osaka Prefecture University.
Architecture and National Important Cultural Property Status
The Nakanoshima Library building was completed in 1904 in the Neo-Renaissance style. In 1922, the wings on both sides of the original structure were added, followed by several renovation projects over the years.
The historic building survived the Osaka air raids during World War II without suffering major damage. In 1974, it was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in recognition of its architectural and historical value.
Renovation and Continued Use
In 2012, a proposal to close Nakanoshima Library was considered at a meeting of the Osaka Prefectural and Osaka City Integration Headquarters. Following discussions, the Osaka Prefectural Board of Education decided that the library should remain in operation.
Seismic reinforcement and renovation of the exterior walls were completed by 2014. The library reopened to the public in April 2015.
New Uses and Additional Facilities
In 2015, a designated management system was introduced, with Aswell Co., Ltd. selected to manage the facility.
A shop selling general goods and stationery was also established inside the building. The library’s facilities include Smørrebrød Kitchen Nakanoshima, a café specializing in the traditional Danish open-faced sandwich known as smørrebrød.
The café was the first specialty smørrebrød restaurant in western Japan and has become a popular feature among visitors to the library.
Opening Hours
Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Digital Information Room and Microfilm Services: Applications for these services are accepted until 30 minutes before closing.
The library is generally closed on Sundays, public holidays and substitute holidays, and during the New Year holiday period. There may also be several temporary closures each year for collection and facility maintenance.
Access
Nakanoshima Library is located next to Osaka City Hall and Osaka City Central Public Hall, making it convenient to visit as part of a sightseeing route around Nakanoshima.
Naniwabashi Station: A few minutes on foot from Naniwabashi Station on the Keihan Nakanoshima Line.
Yodoyabashi Station: Within walking distance from Yodoyabashi Station, served by the Keihan Main Line and Osaka Metro Midosuji Line.
A Cultural Landmark Combining Knowledge and Architecture
Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library has served as an important cultural and educational institution for the local community for more than a century.
Its collection of approximately 550,000 books, specialized materials on Osaka and business, and range of support services continue to serve a wide variety of users.
At the same time, the library’s elegant Neo-Renaissance architecture makes the building itself an important part of Osaka’s cultural heritage. Its location among the historic buildings and riverside scenery of Nakanoshima makes it a distinctive place to visit while exploring central Osaka.