Former library becomes bookstore in nagano town

In Nagano Prefecture, Japan, a couple opened a bookstore called “muratoshoten” inside a former library building in the town of Tatsuno.

The couple, an editor and a children’s book author, partnered with the local company goodhood to renovate and operate the space after the library closed in 2021.

The bookstore includes a shop called “Yamayama”, a private library named “Suzume Bunko”, and a workspace for multiple generations. goodhood received a commission from the town to manage the project and secured private funding for the renovations, aiming to create a center for local knowledge.