Japanese public library services for dyslexic children

In Japan, most public libraries do not provide sufficient easy-reading materials or offer reading facilities that are suitable for children with dyslexia. In contrast, in Europe, public libraries provide special facilities for children with reading disabilities, allowing them to see, read or listen to books in various ways. This study compares support services for children with reading disabilities at public libraries in Europe and Japan, focusing on support for children with dyslexia. Information was gathered through interviews with librarians. After interviewing European librarians working in children’s libraries, we found that each of them runs events for children, where the children have the opportunity to discover books. Children were able to acquire knowledge through these events and pursue knowledge using these newly-discovered books. It is suggested that adopting the concept of the European children’s library in Japanese libraries might give all Japanese children the opportunity to read more books.