Libraries in Japan Face a New Opportunity for Resilience: JLA Launches Grant for Disaster-Affected Institutions in 2025
Tokyo, Japan – July 16, 2025 – The Japan Library Association (JLA) Library Disaster Countermeasures Committee has announced the opening of applications for its “Grants for Libraries Affected by Disasters etc. (Fiscal Year 2025)”. This crucial initiative aims to provide financial support to libraries that have suffered damage and disruption due to natural disasters or other unforeseen events, fostering their recovery and strengthening their resilience for the future.
The announcement, made today on the Current Awareness Portal, signifies a proactive step by the JLA to address the ongoing challenges faced by library institutions across Japan. Libraries, as vital community hubs and repositories of knowledge, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other calamities that frequently affect the archipelago.
What are these Grants and Who Can Apply?
The JLA’s grant program is designed to offer tangible assistance to libraries that have been directly impacted by disasters. This can include, but is not limited to:
- Physical Damage: Repair or replacement of damaged buildings, shelving, furniture, and essential equipment.
- Collection Loss or Damage: Support for the acquisition of replacement materials, digitization efforts, or specialized preservation techniques for damaged collections.
- Operational Disruption: Assistance with the costs associated with temporary relocation, restoring essential services, and adapting to new operational needs following a disaster.
- Staff Training and Development: Funding for programs that enhance staff skills in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
While specific eligibility criteria will be detailed in the official application guidelines, it is understood that libraries that have experienced damage or significant operational impact due to disasters occurring within a relevant timeframe will be the primary beneficiaries. This could encompass a broad range of institutions, from small community libraries to larger public or academic libraries.
Why is this Initiative Important?
Japan’s geographical location and susceptibility to natural disasters make disaster preparedness and recovery a paramount concern for all public institutions. Libraries, in particular, play a critical role in:
- Community Information Centers: Providing vital information during emergencies, including official advisories, contact points, and essential resources.
- Safe Havens: Offering a stable and secure environment for citizens seeking refuge or access to communication during crises.
- Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Safeguarding books, documents, and other materials that represent the nation’s history and culture.
- Educational Support: Continuing to provide learning resources and support to students and the wider community even in challenging circumstances.
The JLA’s grant program acknowledges the indispensable role libraries play and aims to ensure they can not only recover from damage but also emerge stronger and better equipped to serve their communities in the face of future challenges.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Library Resilience
The launch of this grant program for fiscal year 2025 demonstrates a forward-thinking approach by the JLA. Beyond immediate recovery, the initiative is expected to encourage libraries to:
- Enhance Disaster Preparedness Plans: Libraries receiving grants may be incentivized to review and update their existing disaster plans, incorporating lessons learned from past events.
- Invest in Resilient Infrastructure: The funding can be used for measures that improve the physical resilience of library buildings and their collections against future disasters.
- Develop Digital Archiving and Access: Support for digitization can help ensure continued access to valuable information even if physical collections are compromised.
- Foster Inter-Library Cooperation: The program may encourage collaborative efforts among libraries to share resources and expertise in disaster response and recovery.
How to Apply and Where to Find More Information:
Libraries interested in applying for the “Grants for Libraries Affected by Disasters etc. (Fiscal Year 2025)” are encouraged to visit the official website of the Japan Library Association or consult the detailed guidelines that will be released. The announcement on the Current Awareness Portal serves as the initial notification, and further information regarding the application process, deadlines, and specific requirements will be made available through official JLA channels.
This initiative by the Japan Library Association is a vital step in safeguarding the future of libraries across Japan, ensuring they can continue to serve as cornerstones of knowledge, community, and resilience for generations to come.
日本図書館協会（JLA）図書館災害対策委員会、「災害等により被災した図書館等への助成（2025年度）」を希望する図書館の募集を開始
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At 2025-07-16 09:32, ‘日本図書館協会（JLA）図書館災害対策委員会、「災害等により被災した図書館等への助成（2025年度）」を希望する図書館の募集を開始’ was published according to カレントアウェアネス・ポータル. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.