Joe Tomei here, I’m posting something I posted on the KumAJET list, apologies if you get it twice.
I wanted to let all of you know that you can get a library card at Kumamoto Gakuen University and check out 5 books a week, as well as come in the library and use the facilities. The university charges 1000 yen a year, with the period tied to the school year, so if you joined now, you’d need to renew in April. You need some id and an address. It’s a program that I tell people about, and posting it for the newly arrived JET participants made me realize that it might be good to post here. You can visit the library and just sign in (and save 1000 yen), so if you don’t want to check out books, you don’t need the library card, but filling out the form every time is a bit of a pain.
The holdings are good, and a range of English books, but the coverage can be spotty. You can search the holdings here http://www1.lib.kumagaku.ac.jp/mylimedio/search/search-input.do?mode=comp&lang=en
The school cafeteria is next door, you just buy a ticket and get your food and it is quite cheap and the food is good. If you come and need any help, I’m sure I can get one of my students to help you.
If you are interested and need some help or have questions, please contact me offlist.