Reading Support for Disaster-Affected Areas: Donation of a Mobile Library Vehicle to Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture

The Story: In 2021, a devastating mudslide struck the Izusan area, significantly impacting community life and public services in Atami City. During the process of supporting local living and educational needs, YP learned that the Atami Municipal Library’s mobile library vehicle was too old to adequately serve residents. The foundation therefore offered assistance to help restore the bookmobile to operation, hoping that the continuation of reading services would contribute to the region’s recovery and cultural revitalization.

The Results: Beginning in April 2025, the “Seagull” mobile library officially entered service, traveling to schools and communities throughout the Izusan area and Atami City. The new vehicle is equipped with accessible lift facilities and can carry approximately 2,000 books. It is dedicated to promoting reading and cultural engagement, providing all citizens with equal access to books and helping create a reading-friendly environment for everyone.

Future Plan: Going forward, the bookmobile will continue its regular routes across Izusan and Atami City—including schools, community centers, and senior facilities—providing stable and convenient lending services. By integrating reading access into daily life, the initiative aims to increase residents’ opportunities to encounter books, especially in disaster-affected communities. Through this continued circulation of knowledge and culture, the project hopes to support the region’s ongoing cultural vitality and contribute to the community’s emotional and social recovery.