Usage Guide(English)

Library Usage Guide

Welcome to the Shimane Prefectural Library!

The Shimane Prefectural Library aims to be a library that serves and supports the local community.

１．Using the Library

Anyone can use the library. You are free to read all of the books on the bookshelves.

Opening Hours

• Weekdays from March to October 9:00~19:00
• Weekdays from November to February 9:00~18:00
• Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays (All year round) 9:00~17:00

Days Closed

• Every Monday *

• The first Thursday of every month **

• Year-end and New Year holidays: 28 December-4 January

• Special collection maintenance periods

* If it is a holiday, the library will be closed the following weekday.

** If it is a holiday, the library will be closed the following weekday.

2．Guide for using the Library's Resources

You can search for books, magazines and other materials using the library's website or the catalogue search terminals (OPAC) available inside the library.

Books　

Books are arranged by subject.

• Children's books: 1F, Children's Room
• Books for adults: 2F
• Foreign-language materials: 1F, Hall　New arrived

Newspapers

Newspapers are available for reading in the library.

Newspapers cannot be borrowed.

• Today's newspapers: 1F, Hall
• Newspapers from the current month: 2F, Newspapers & Magazines Corner

Magazines

The latest issues are available for reading in the library.

Back issues can be borrowed.

• Magazines for children: 1F, Children's Room
• Magazines for adults: 2F, Newspapers & Magazines Corner

Audio-visual Materials

There are cassette tapes, CDs, VHS tapes, DVDs available.

There is no viewing or listening booths.

• CDs and cassette tapes: 2F
• VHS tapes and DVDs: Please apply at the Main Counter.

Internet Access

You may use the library's computers to browse the internet.
Please apply to use a computer at the Main Counter.

Free Wi-Fi is also available in the library.
You can connect your own laptop or smartphone to the Wi-Fi.

3．borrowing Books, Magazines, etc.

Library Card

A library card is required to borrow books and magazines.

Anyone who lives, works or attends school in Shimane Prefecture can obtain a library card.
There is no fee to apply for a library card.

Please apply for a library card at the Main Counter.
When applying, please bring a form of identification that shows your current address.

Borrowing

Please bring the items you would like to borrow and your library card to the Main Counter.

• Number of items: Up to 10 items per person
• Borrowing Period: 15 days

Returning

Please bring the books or magazines you would like to return to the Main Counter.

If the library is closed, please use the Return Box located to the right of the library entrance.

* Please do not use the Return Box for the following materials: AV materials, large picture books, or materials borrowed from other libraries.

Borrowing Period Extension

The borrowing period can be extended once for an additional two weeks.

Please apply for an extension at the Main Counter.

However, if another user has placed a reservation on the item you are currently borrowing, the borrowing period cannot be extended.

Reservation

If an item you would like to borrow is currently borrowed by another user, you can reserve it.

Please bring your library card and apply at the Main Counter.

• Number of items that can be reserved: Up to 5 items per person

For Materials Not Held by the Library

If the library does not have an item you would like to borrow, you can request that we purchase it.
Please feel free to ask a member of staff for assistance.

We can arrange for the item to be borrowed from another library or purchase it for you to borrow.