HOSHINO COFFEE in Ibaraki Prefectural Library by Ambos
A place for learnings of high quality and relaxation with the aroma of roasted coffee.Hoshino Coffee has opened its new store in Ibaraki Prefectural Library.It is still rare that a public library has a privately-owned cafe.
In July 2021, NIPPON RESTAURANT SYSTEM.INC opened a cafe where people can spend time for learning of high quality with gorgeous coffee aroma and gather up for relaxation, in Ibaraki Prefectural Library.
It is rare that Japanese public libraries have a cafe where citizens can read books before checking them out,and this new library is expected to have more visitors.
Ibaraki Prefectural Library was built by reconstructing a previous congress hall of Ibaraki prefecture at the same time when the prefectural government building was relocated to another place. This building has a characteristic symmetrical area after the entrance, and people can see a previous main congress room when they go up the stairs there.
Through open-proposals, NIPPON RESTAURANT SYSTEM.INC was chosen as a partner in February 2021 and opened this store. It is designed to combine the library with the warming and chic atmosphere of Hoshino Coffee, leveraging the openness with the high 15m ceiling of the main lobby and the space feature of its historically symmetrical structure.
The lobby that represents this new library is integrated by the chic atmosphere, and people can find it more spacious than it is because of bronze mirrors on its wall. Also, continuity from its 4m arch-shaped shelves to mirrors above them makes this library a more dignified place.
Regarding the seating, the left side of the stairs facing to the main entrance is the area where people can enjoy coffee and food as a group on a sofa. On the right side, there is a space that people can enjoy their time by themselves and it has a huge glass table that encourages them to discover new books. Because of them, visitors can choose a seat depending on their mood or the number of their company.
In the lobby, the books are divided into 4 categories; magazines and the latest books which are popular among any generation, novels of Ibaraki that make readers feel close to the regional culture of Ibaraki, and teens for teenagers and college students who are main visitors of this library. All of those selections are updated constantly so that people can find latest and fresh books every time they visit.
Its goal is that people can use this library not only for reading or studying but also for gathering up and interacting with others so that it will be a new spot for recreation.
