Interview with staff Kazuhiko Sasaoka and Hitomi Okura
We spoke with staff Kazuhiko Sasaoka and Hitomi Okura.
What kind of work is done in the Music Library?
What kind of work do the staff at the Music Library do?
Sasaoka
It is a facility within Kurashiki Community Center, and currently, there are two dedicated staff members in the Music Library.
Their main tasks include reference services, selection and maintenance of books and audiovisual materials, lending books, and planning and managing music-related courses and events organized by Kurashiki Community Center.
Have both of you always worked in the Music Library? What have your previous jobs been?
Sasaoka
I am in my fourth year now, but I used to teach music at a university.
The recruitment for staff at the Music Library often came to the university, but there were no students applying...
So, I casually said, "Shall I go?" and from there, things progressed smoothly to where I am now (laughs).
Okura
I am in my fifth year.
Before that, I was also involved in music-related work.
Many tourists use the Music Library
Who are the typical users of the Music Library?
Sasaoka
In the early days of the library, there were many high school students.
At that time, in 1969, it must have been expensive for middle and high school students to buy records.
Nowadays, many people come and say, "I used to use it a lot during my student days," or "It brings back memories."
In addition to local citizens, many tourists also visit.
It seems that guides in the Bikan Historical Area also introduce the Music Library.
I listened to SP records on a phonograph, and in this day and age, it felt like a luxurious experience.
Sasaoka
Now, it's easy to listen to music on smartphones and such.
That's why the act of dropping the needle on a record in the quiet space of the library feels incredibly luxurious.
It's also hard to play loud music at home these days.
Okura
It's an abstract expression, but I think there is a sense of listening to music not just with the ears, but with the whole body.
The "reward" of working in the Music Library
From our conversation, it seems both of you have a strong attachment to the Music Library. What do you find rewarding about your work?
Sasaoka
The Music Library is a very comfortable space for me.
I thought that after retiring from being a university teacher, I would like to read books at home, play records, and play the piano. I am very grateful that I can do similar things as my job.
Also, since I was originally a teacher, teaching was my job. I am grateful to be able to handle several courses. Teaching means studying twice.
Most of the people who come to the courses are older than me, but everyone listens seriously to what I have to say. This makes me happy.
I feel a sense of reward.
However, there is one thing that I find tough.
I work five days a week, and I don't have holidays on public holidays (laughs).
Kurashiki Community Center is closed every Monday, except for public holidays.
Okura
I am also very grateful to be able to work utilizing my past experiences.
Thanks to the Music Library, I have gained new knowledge that I didn't know before, and I feel like I am learning music all over again.
A message to users
Finally, please give a message to everyone using the Music Library.
Sasaoka
Basically, I hope that both local citizens and tourists will feel free to visit.
However, since it is a "library," we do not actively approach visitors, but we do provide careful reference services.
If you want to enjoy music or are looking for a specific song, please feel free to ask, and we will respond carefully.
There is a considerable amount of records, so please come and visit us at least once.
Conclusion
"Do you know about the Music Library? It's interesting, so you should definitely cover it."
The author was born and raised in Kurashiki and often visits the Bikan Historical Area, but I had no idea about the Music Library until a friend mentioned it.
The Music Library is located on the "third floor" of Kurashiki Community Center.
If you don't know, you won't have the opportunity to see it.
Listening to music in the Music Library felt like a "precious experience," similar to attending a live performance.
- The sound of SP records flowing from the phonograph
- Listening to valuable audio sources through headphones and speakers
- Stories from knowledgeable staff
Please make sure to visit and listen.
Data of the Music Library
| Name | Music Library |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-21 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-423-2135 |
| Parking | Available Can use the parking lot of Kurashiki Community Center |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM - 5:15 PM *Please enter by 5:00 PM if you wish to use it |
| Closed | Monday ・Open if Monday is a public holiday ・The next weekday if Monday is a public holiday ・Year-end and New Year (December 28 - January 4) ・Other closures may occur due to shelf organization (announcements on the website) |
| Admission Fee (tax included) | Free |
| Reservation | Not possible |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Barrier-Free | Barrier-free toilet |
| Website | Kurashiki City Kurashiki Community Center Music Library |
