🗺️ Kanazawa City Kanazawa Umimirai Library

Opened on May 21, 2011, it is the fourth largest library in Kanazawa City. Designed by Coelacanth K&H Architects Inc., the building is based on the concept of a "cake box," with impressive round windows. Its beautiful exterior has also been selected as one of the "25 Most Beautiful Public Libraries in the World." There are approximately 6,000 round windows, reminiscent of bubbles floating on the sea, strategically arranged to bring in the most suitable light for reading after numerous experiments. The round windows come in three sizes: 20cm, 25cm, and 30cm, and are fitted with four types of glass, including wire glass and heat-absorbing glass, depending on their orientation. The area surrounding the library was a bustling port for merchant ships and Kitamaebune during the Edo period, and it was also a region where manufacturing industries, such as soy sauce production, thrived. Therefore, the library houses a wealth of local materials related to the "sea" and "manufacturing." Additionally, the library features a "gallery" and "exchange hall" for hosting exhibitions such as the "Sea Photography Exhibition" and "Craft Works Exhibition," and various events are held periodically.

Selected as one of the "25 Most Beautiful Public Libraries in the World," this large library features up to 6,000 round windows to bring in the most suitable light for reading. Its extensive collection allows for a deeper understanding of Kanazawa City. Additionally, it includes a "Community Hall" for hosting events.