Connecting Hearts and Learning Through School Libraries

About this article
This is an AI-made English version of the original Japanese article. It uses Plain English for junior high school readers. It is a copy made for the world2 test site on September 11, 2026. If the Japanese article changes, this page must also be updated.

A school library training meeting

On July 8, 2026, the Chubu School Library Association held a meeting at the Yomitan Village Cultural Center. A member of Ryukyu no Tane joined the panel discussion.

The theme was “Connecting Hearts and Learning Through School Libraries.” About 200 school librarians and teachers from central Okinawa joined the event. The Okinawa Times newspaper also wrote about it.

The panel discussion

Three Speakers

There were three speakers:

Moriyama uses small mysteries when he reads books to children. He tells children that they can find the answers in the library. He talked about Okinawan place names, family names, and word games. These examples help children enjoy asking “Why?” and looking for answers in books.

Henza talked about a student who had difficulty talking with other people. The library became a safe and calm place for the student. The student wrote a novel and later showed it at a book event called a literary flea market. This story shows that a library can help children read, write, and share their own work.

Using AI to Find Books

Ryukyu no Tane shared two ideas for using digital tools with libraries.

The first idea uses multiple intelligences theory. This theory says that people can be strong in different ways. For example, a child may be good at music, movement, pictures, or talking with people. Adults can learn about a child’s strengths and then suggest books that match the child’s interests.

The second idea uses AI and the Nippon Decimal Classification (NDC). NDC is the number system used to put books into groups in many Japanese libraries.

A child can first ask an AI tool, such as ChatGPT, for book ideas. The child can then ask which NDC number may have books about their interests. After that, the child goes to the library and looks at that shelf.

AI helps the child explain their interests. The library gives the child a real place to explore. Many people at the meeting said they wanted to try this idea at school.

The Library as a Safe Place

A school library is not only a place for books. It can also be a safe place for children.

Some children have difficulty going to class or attending school. The library may give them a calm place where they do not have to worry about grades or tests. In this way, it can be like the school nurse’s room.

The speakers also talked about other reading problems. Japanese sentences often leave out the subject. This can be difficult for children who are learning Japanese. One family also shared an idea called “otoshibon.” At New Year, their child can choose one book without worrying about its price.

What People Learned

Satsuki Arakaki, a librarian at Kitanakagusuku Elementary School, said she learned a lot from the meeting. She hopes libraries can connect children, teachers, and local people.

The meeting ended with one main message: libraries can connect both children and adults with their community.

Thank You

We thank the school librarians, teachers, and the Chubu School Library Association for this learning opportunity.

Ryukyu no Tane will continue to help schools, families, and communities. We want every child to find what they like and what they do well.

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How This English Version Was Made

This English version was made by OpenAI Codex, an AI system. A human translator did not write it. A human did not check or edit the English before it was published.

This record explains how the page was made. It does not mean that a professional translator checked it. If the English and Japanese have different meanings, please use the original Japanese article as the official source.