On March 21, 2025, the new Mobara City Library opened its doors to the public, marking a significant milestone for the community. Located on the second floor of the Mobara Shopping Plaza Asmo, this relocated library aims to enhance accessibility and meet the needs of local residents and shoppers.
The library has moved from its previous site in a commercial building directly in front of JR Mobara Station, a shift that was welcomed after addressing several challenges at the old location. The former library faced issues with limited parking capacity and insufficient free parking time, which made visits less convenient for families and other patrons. The new site, Asmo, accommodates up to 650 vehicles in its parking lot, providing ample space for visitors to park while they explore the library and shopping plaza.
With a floor area of approximately 2,000 square meters, the Mobara City Library is designed with an inviting entrance that evokes the feeling of entering 'the world of books'. The layout of the library has been modified to reduce the number of 'open shelves' where books can be freely browsed, allowing for a more spacious and comfortable experience for users.
Currently, the library boasts a collection of around 146,000 books, which includes materials not available for borrowing. It also offers dedicated areas for learning and children's activities, such as a 'learning space' equipped with 24 seats, power outlets, and ambient lighting, all designed to support effective study and relaxation. The 'Children's Plaza' is another feature that emphasizes engagement, where toddlers can enjoy story readings and other interactive experiences.
Despite the excitement surrounding the new library, there remains a challenge. According to reports, library attendance nationwide has not returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. With this new facility, local officials are optimistic about increasing visitor numbers, aiming for 125,000 visitors in the fiscal year 2025. During the opening ceremony, Mobara Mayor Jun Ichihara expressed hope that the library would become a beloved community hub. "I expect many to come and use this space. I hope it will serve as a new relaxation center for Mobara, utilized for many years to come," he stated.
The community’s interest in maintaining a vibrant local library is also reflected in the various activities and services it plans to offer, including parenting support and educational workshops. The city's Board of Education has expressed optimism that the library’s new location will attract significantly more visitors, particularly shoppers who may stop by while visiting the plaza.
Additionally, this opening coincides with several other local news events. The Chiba Prefectural Assembly announced a supplementary election on March 8, 2025, where 13 candidates will compete in five electoral districts, while Narita City is reported to have no voting due to uncontested seats.
Meanwhile, a tremor was registered in the region as well, with a recent earthquake occurring on February 24, 2025, recording a maximum intensity of 3 and a magnitude of 4.8. This quake was centered offshore of southeastern Chiba Prefecture, with the strongest effects felt in Tateyama City.
Mobara residents are also dealing with safety concerns, as a man was bitten by a wild boar while walking on a farm road in the city on February 15. This incident prompted officials to urge the public to exercise caution in rural areas.
In local business news, manufacturers are evolving as well. JDI has announced plans to concentrate its liquid crystal panel production at its Ishikawa plant, closing its Chiba facility as of February 13, 2025. This facility will be sold, and personnel will be relocated as the company adapts to changing market demands.
Alongside these developments, there have been innovations in local cuisine. The recently launched 'Honno Ema Cookie', conceived by local high school students, showcases regional flavors and is set to be sold at direct sales locations, highlighting community entrepreneurship.
The new Mobara City Library stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to enhancing quality of life for its residents, creating not just a repository of books but a vibrant community space. As it welcomes its first visitors, there are higher hopes for meaningful engagement and frequent use of its resources, which are geared toward fostering education and community connections.
