Quake-hit library gradually returning to normal in Kumamoto
The earthquake-hit municipal library in the city of Uki, Kumamoto Prefecture, is moving step by step toward reopening after closing late last month.
Uki, a city in Kumamoto Prefecture, is gradually returning to normal after the recent earthquake. The municipal library, which closed last month, is moving step by step toward reopening. A mobile library operated by the same library system has resumed its service, bringing joy to nursery school children. The earthquake, which had a shindo 7 intensity, caused significant damage to the library building, art museum, and the adjacent Picture Book House for Kids, which houses over 10,000 picture books.
The library complex was a popular spot for local residents to relax, but it is now too dangerous to enter. The Misumi branch library, which suffered relatively minor damage, has already reopened, while the Ogawa branch has put fallen books back on shelves. The mobile library service was restarted on August 18 and has been visiting places including nursery schools, bringing smiles to the children.
The library head, Toshimitsu Sakai, expressed hope that life will gradually return to normal and thanked the city for their support. The library is receiving inquiries from locals about when the main facility will reopen, and they assure everyone that they will do their best to make the facilities safe for use again.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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