Facility Overview


About the Building

Location:
Kita 8-jo Nishi 6-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo
Hokkaido University Campus
Structure:
Steel frame, 1 story above ground
Total floor area:
Approximately 350 m²
Collection size:
Approximately 15,000 books
Primary audience:
Elementary and junior high school students
Features:
Designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando with the concept of “coexistence with nature”
Located near the Sakushukotoni River, surrounded by giant trees
Curved exterior walls and large glass windows. Cylindrical bookshelves reaching to the ceiling

Floor Map

Floor map for PC display
Floor map for mobile display

Book Selection
Book Selection

At Kodomo Hon no Mori Sapporo-Hokudai, books are organized into 14 themes.

With themes linked to Hokkaido University’s faculties, the natural world around us extending to the cosmos, and topics that address children’s concerns,
we have assembled a diverse collection of books to stimulate curiosity, primarily targeting elementary and junior high school students.

The wide variety of books—including children’s books, encyclopedias, literature, art books, and books in foreign languages—can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults.
Unrestricted by age, they serve as an entry point for anyone to freely discover their own path to opening knowledge.

  1. 1. Living in Hokkaido
    This collection features books that deepen understanding of life in the north, including the history of Hokkaido University and Dr. Clark’s philosophy, as well as Hokkaido and Sapporo’s climate, culture, industry, and history. It creates a space to consider ways of living rooted in the land of Hokkaido.
  2. 2. Nature and People
    This section offers books exploring the relationship between nature and humans from multiple perspectives, including natural sciences such as geology, biology, botany, astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. It also includes a collection of books on dinosaurs, a topic of high interest. Books are primarily selected with the Faculty of Science in mind.
  3. 3. How Society Works
    This collection gathers books to help understand the structure of society, including politics, economics, law, and international relations. It also includes books about work, deepening interest in society and broadening future options. Books are primarily selected with the Faculty of Economics and Faculty of Law in mind.
  4. 4. Creating the Future
    This section assembles books on technology and engineering that support the present and create the future, from familiar objects like vehicles to technology, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and space development. Books are primarily selected with the Faculty of Engineering in mind.
  5. 5. The Possibilities of Learning
    This collection gathers books related to “learning,” including school, career paths, desired professions, dreams, and ways of living. It offers books that help envision one’s own future by considering the joy of learning, the possibilities of education, and life choices. Books are primarily selected with the Faculty of Education in mind.
  6. 6. Coexistence with Animals
    This section offers books that explore the relationship between humans and animals, including pets, wildlife, animal welfare, and animal protection. It provides a space to learn about ways to live alongside animals and their roles in ecosystems, deepening understanding of life. Books are primarily selected with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in mind.
  7. 7. Food and Resources
    This collection gathers books exploring the connection between food and the environment, including food culture, cooking, agriculture, dairy farming, and fisheries. This bookshelf encourages thinking about the future of food, from familiar foods to global perspectives, while learning about the importance of eating and sustainable resource use. Books are primarily selected with the Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Fisheries Sciences in mind.
  8. 8. Body and Mind
    This collection gathers books about physical and mental health, including the body, illness, medicine, health, sports, psychology, and philosophy. In addition to scientific perspectives, it includes books that lead to awareness and action in daily life. Books are primarily selected with the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in mind.
  9. 9. The Path of Our Predecessors
    Centered on history, this collection gathers books exploring connections from past to future. It features books on domestic and international history, culture, and the footsteps of great figures, broadening perspectives on living in the present by understanding social transitions.
  10. 10. Stories and Words
    This collection gathers stories such as fantasy, classics, poetry, and books about library and reading culture, as well as book design. It creates a space to expand imagination by selecting books that convey the power of stories and the richness of language. It also incorporates literature from different cultures, providing opportunities to encounter diverse stories from around the world. Books are primarily selected with the Faculty of Letters in mind.
  11. 11. Art and Creation
    This collection gathers books exploring diverse artistic expressions, including fine arts, photography, music, film, animation, crafts, architecture, design, and games. It aims to create a space where visitors can discover the joy of creation and the fascination of expression, gain inspiration, and expand creative possibilities.
  12. 12. Exploring the World
    This section gathers books on travel, ethnology, folklore, and cultural anthropology, creating a space to encounter the world’s diversity. It provides opportunities to gain new perspectives by encountering different values and cultures, and offers a chance to feel connections beyond borders.
  13. 13. Everyday Life
    This collection gathers books that enrich daily life, including home and family, school, friendships, play, seasonal events, and lifestyle habits. It offers books to learn about everyday ingenuity and traditional events, and to find hints for living comfortable days.
  14. For Little Children
    Centered on picture books for infants and toddlers, this collection gathers books that convey the joy of words, rhythm, and color.

Special Features (Highlights)

  • Eye-catching display with book covers facing outward, creating an immersive experience surrounded by the world of books
  • Original thematic classification
  • Diverse book arrangement mixing children’s books, encyclopedias, literature, art books, and books in foreign languages that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults
  • Taking advantage of the location on Hokkaido University campus, the experience of children taking books outside the building to read surrounded by nature on campus
  • Implementation of “learning programs” that combine workshops and related exhibitions aligned with the nature and knowledge that Hokkaido University possesses