Oct. 8 - On my recent visit to Okinawa, I visited the Urasoe Library, which has partnered with the American Consulate in Naha to provide English-language books as well as books in Japanese about the United States.
I met with Urasoe Head Librarian Kiyoshi Tsuha, library staff and Naha Consul General Ray Greene (at right).
The day I visited, three high school students were sitting at tables in the American Corner studying hard. One told me she came to the library frequently to study English. She hopes someday to study abroad. I tried not to disturb the students too much as I looked over the library's collection of English-language books. I saw books about the United States, works of American literature, and also an extensive collection of English-language books about Okinawa and its unique history and culture.
The American Corner's children's book section was particularly impressive. There people can borrow picture books in pairs, with the original book in English and the same book translated into Japanese. That way parents can enjoy the delightful stories with their children while exposing them to English.
The day I arrived the library had organized a book reading where one of the Consulate officers read a children's book aloud to parents and children.
The Urasoe head librarian said his library won an award from the Minister of Education for its efforts to promote English-language education. I was happy to learn about this partnership between the library and our Consulate General and to meet some of the diligent young people studying there.
Until next time,
Jim
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