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Kokoro Toshokan

Kokoro Toshokan
Animation - 8.2
Sound - 8.2
Story - 6.8
Character - 7.5
Value - 7.0
Enjoyment - 7.7
Average - 7.6

Reviewed 33 times Statistic Help |  Review it


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brynolf (2009-04-16 19:46:41)   2009-04-16 19:41:46
Average 3.0
Animation 6
Sound 7
Story 1
Character 2
Value 1
Enjoyment 1
No, no, no... Cuteness and good background music is nowhere near enough to save an anime where meaninglessness is allowed to run amok to this extreme degree.

Many anime are slow paced, but in Kokoro library time almost stops. There is no story and no character drive (but I have to admit the actual library itself and its surroundings is a cousy place).

Edit: Was this show "comedy" classed? If there was any comedic ambitions with Kokoro library, the creators have another failure on their list.
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petran79 (2007-11-30 06:52:59)   2006-08-16 10:21:06
Average 3.3
Animation 4
Sound 4
Story 3
Character 4
Value 2
Enjoyment 3
(anbu fansub)

This is one of the most difficult anime to watch. The pacing is awfully slow and even though it manages to bring about some nice moments, you have to really be very patient to squeeze them out. I like slow paced animes but not to that pace. Whereas I thought Fantastic Children was the slowest paced anime, this is even worse.

I stopped watching seriously in the 4th episode and just looked some scenes of the other episodes. Now I know the review doesnt offer any valuable info on the series, but it brings that important fact that there is a high chance that if you try this title out you'll not make it past the first episodes. It is really a pain to watch this till the last episode. One has really to be in the right mood for it. I'll probably never will. It makes the stress even more tense.

Slow pacing combined with magical moments (like Ghibili movies) works wonders. But when its done in a Card Captor Sakura fashion (I watched only 1-2 episodes of that anime) it is a torturing experience to watch. I should have avoided this title.

Animation and sound department try to be to sugary and it really gets on my nerves. Characters too. Too childish and even worse, they're combined with some ecchi moments. This demonstrated clearly that this anime is not for me.

I'd look for something else.


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LoveMonster (2006-06-15 23:58:54)   2006-06-15 23:56:35
Average 7.8
Animation 7
Sound 10
Story 7
Character 7
Value 8
Enjoyment 8
Kokoro Library is about three sisters who run a library in the middle of nowhere.

What?!

How can there be a show with such a premise? How could it work out? Well to explain that important part of it is my job. ^^
Our story follows the lead of its youngest character, a girl who has just become a librarian. Though she doesn't look a bit like Sakura from Cardcaptor Sakura, her personality is very similarly endearing. She is a sweet and loving young girl. We follow her as she goes under a nation-wide exam to becoming a librarian (there is an exam ._. ???) But quickly after that she goes back to her modest life- and peroidically has the chance to meet new people, whether it be visitors to their remote library, or her own traveling to different places now and then.

It always results in a short, light mini-story where regardless of plot or outcome, she tries to plant seeds of happiness for people.

The show has an episodic feel, with some new minor side characters being introduced for brief stints every few episodes. This ends up going a long way in the end, as the tiny library in the boondox gets a few caring people to come over and contribute their time. (aka- getting books ^^)

Her two sisters sadly have very typical personalities- (the tomboy and the Belldandy- well she is a bit chara-moe about her sister, so she's not that unoriginal..) but they are not completely wooden, and don't hinder this show from being as pleasant and uplifting as it is.

The family unity between the three feels real and heartwarming. What brings it up a whole bunch is a special episode later on in the series which explores the past- to be more detailed, their parents. The final episode (episode 12, 13 was just a bonus ^^) is the best of all, as it ties all of the seemingly filler episodes together and gives them purpose.

What I loved about this series beyond all else is the atmosphere. It has a thick atmosphere that is brought on by the painstakingly idyllic setting with soft but impactful tones, the greatest trimmings being the OST. The Kokoro Library OST is one of the best I've ever heard. It is just Haibane Renmei perfect. With peaceful but rich compositions that bring life to every scene and a sense of peace that I found ensnaring. The opening and ending themes are also sweet and memorable. The things I've mentioned in this paragraph really take this series to heights that may not have been utterly possible.

This is every bit a slice-of-life show, and as such the pace can be unwatchable for some.

Even so.. there was something about how the mini-stories operated- something about the attempts at bringing life into the minor side characters, it made mundane actions seem much more bearable then they otherwise would be. At the center, this is a show about three people living in the middle of nowhere, we get a precious look into their lives, and into the seemingly miniscule effect they have on other people they meet- and vice versa.

The art style is modest with some mute colors, but character designs are attractive enough. Backgrounds can be pretty now and then, showing off the region in which the characters live.


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BallerGamer    2005-09-25 19:40:06
Average 8.0
Animation 8
Sound 8
Story 8
Character 8
Value 8
Enjoyment 8
Sure the whole premise of it is corny, I mean, who reads books now-a-days? And who wants to watch an anime about books! Even though Kokoro Library's setting takes place in a library, by the end of the series, you'll feel that the atmosphere is relaxing and comforting. The show stars Kokoro, a girl who has the same name as the library she works for. She, along with her two sisters Iina and Aruto, run Kokoro Library in the middle of the mountains. Very few users come to their library; in fact, they're lucky to get 10 a month! Though it doesn't matter, because the library is the girl's home, and as long as users do come, it's okay. Kokoro is determined to make every user that comes in that door happy, even if it means going downtown in order to retrieve the book they're looking for. Mind you, they live in the mountains, and it's a 2 hour walk. But users are minimal, and in order to maintain their loyalty, you'll need to make them happy.

Kokoro's ambition to making the library run is the charm of the entire anime. It's more heart warming and charming than "To Heart", and even more harmless. At first you'll feel like you're watching a kids show, because there's not a lot of harassment or assaultment. But the dialouge is much too mature for a kid, and there's fanservice too. While it does have its share of fanservice when it comes to Kokoro's older sisters Iina and Aruto, it's really not the focal point of the story. Usually a good anime contains either mouth drooling fight scenes, sexy girls, or love romance, but Kokoro Library isn't neither of those. At first I didn't know what it was exactly! There's one thing for sure; Kokoro Library is a great anime.

So what exactly is so good about Kokoro Library? Like many other animes out there, it's obviously the characters. Iina is an overly worried sister towards Kokoro, but has a strong heart. Aruto is a wonderful novelist, but is much wilder than her other two sisters, and often compares her body and breast size to others that are in competition. Kokoro is a strong willed and determined girl that goes to great lengths in order to make everyone and her sisters happy. New characters every episode will appear, including a robot librarian and a thief, which creates some interesting moments. Near the final three episodes, something tragic occurs that could jeopardize the library. All of the characters are tied together in such a neat fashion, and makes the otherwise slow moving story an awesome experience.

The slow moving story is really Kokoro Library's only downside. The first six or seven episodes follow an episodic formula, and can sometimes get boring to watch through. Though it was purposely done to feel that way in order to savour up the moment. But you'd wish the story would move faster, because you can easily loose interest. It feels almost as if there's no direction whatsoever. The anime's presentation is probably the only thing that might cling your interest. Kokoro is a top candidate for cutest anime girl, while Iina is up there for being the hottest. I prefer to dislike girls with short hair, such as Aruto's, even though her personality is wild. The music is also excellent. There's a piano theme that plays from time to time, and it fits the mood pretty good. When things are silent, listening to the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling is pretty relaxing.

Kokoro Library isn't really for everyone, especially for those the hate slow moving shows (which pretty much defines most animes out there). Though if you have the patience, then definitely check this out. It's story delivers one of the most unique experiences out there, and you'll know what I mean if you watch it. If you're a fan of To Heart, you'll probably like this as well.


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TLN    2005-08-20 18:57:56
Average 8.3
Animation 10
Sound 7
Story 7
Character 8
Value 9
Enjoyment 9
Well I had heard some praising of this so I figured I should take the time to watch it, and it was definetly worth it.
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jj    2005-08-01 07:57:20
Average 9.8
Animation 10
Sound 9
Story 10
Character 10
Value 10
Enjoyment 10
I got this anime expecting that I would like it, but I loved it, I love it when I get an anime like that. This is one heart filled anime. Warm, cute, and one worth grabbing some cookies and watching. I'd recomend this to people who liked Sister Princess, Maria-sama ga Miteru, and Haibane Renmei. People wanting severe action can get lost, only one explosion throughout the anime. Comedy, yes this has it, made me laugh alot more than some animes with only comedy. If you expect romance not much put there is a love triangle, but that actually falls into the comedy section. Fanservice, Yes! There is a beach episode but the fanservice is for people looking for cuteness fanservice, Kokoro tries on five different bathing suits, while the two older sisters have one. It's actually not as slow as people said it was, I breezed through the 13 episodes. Alot more went on than I expected, and this anime was far more than I expected also.
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Jacqui    2005-01-04 12:46:54
Average 9.7
Animation 10
Sound 10
Story 8
Character 10
Value 10
Enjoyment 10
When I first started watching Kokoro Library, I had a thought that I think must pass through most people's heads upon hearing about it: "An anime... about... Librarians? Give me a break..." But, as the story went on, I found myself more and more attached to the characters, and the whole atmosphere of the library became familiar. While it's a very--VERY--slow moving story, there is a plot behind it, and in that last episode, it gets tied together perfectly.

While some aspects of it were a little far-fetched, and others a little dull, The show overall was enjoyable. I'd reccommend it to people who like those "slice of life" anime, such as Fruits Basket. Though I might not watch it again, it was definitely memorable.


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Poom    2004-11-26 06:37:27
Average 7.3
Animation 8
Sound 7
Story 7
Character 8
Value 6
Enjoyment 8
Not that bad for their gene. The start pace is very slow and might make some ppl misunderstood this series. Acutally they have a fine story and a good round up for characters that links togethers. Even though the story get nowhere but still they pulled it off with cutes girls with great background story. No romance, no action, but some comedy will get you through this series, also watch for every details in this story.

What people hate the most is there's no such ending for it. There's no real plot for thouse three sister. This is not their story, but was their parent story who are the heroes that saved the town back in the war.

Eventhough it end as bad as it could get, I still like it. Atleast I enjoys watching it :D and I hopes you will too.


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Miwa Satoshi    2004-09-12 21:05:08
Average 3.7
Animation 7
Sound 6
Story 2
Character 2
Value 3
Enjoyment 2
*yawn*

Hey, look, it's animated Valium!

Kokoro Library is a very good-looking series, but unfortunately, while it's cute, it's extremely vapid. Whoever thought that following a private library run by a trio of no-brain sisters in the middle of nowhere would be a "good story" is an idiot. And the "miracles" of the library are so mundane and dull as to make one's eyes bleed.

Avoid avoid avoid.


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Kiseki    2004-03-19 20:14:30
Average 8.2
Animation 9
Sound 8
Story 8
Character 7
Value 8
Enjoyment 9
Although brought out to be very cutesy-wootsy-fuzzy-wuzzy, it's quite an entertaining series. Some may say it's boring because it's based on the history of a Library, however they explain the significance of the name of that Library and if you watch it, you may just find it.

Kokoro is a very cute and loving character and there is one episode of the total 13 on which I really enjoyed.
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_ragnarok_    2004-03-07 03:08:18
Average 9.8
Animation 10
Sound 10
Story 9
Character 10
Value 10
Enjoyment 10
an anime starts with...what? library? this is definitely not good..but i gave it a try...and then..i ACTUALLY finsihed it straight??? what the...what happened? how come? am i sick? or is this just great?

*cough*..lemme give it properly

i read all previous reviews.
i watched it to the end.
and i can say this one is very nice. why? okay. i'm not the kind who spend time reviewing, but for some reason, kokoro library deserves it. saying it bad because of the 'library stuff' just aint cool. i prefer seeing things as a whole, thats beginning-to-end and what i found - a heart-warming story of 3 sisters living in a remote library. really. it doesnt matter the story is slow, no blood, no violence, no nudity. it just full of kindness and love and i appreciate it that way. personally by seeing this through, everything felt calm and very relaxing, and i believe the most this is the anime's strength. totally different from other anime that leaves you thinking-puzzled-depressed in the end.

cons? well it is not for everyone. if you are *JUST* into non-calm-atmosphere then this is definitely not for you. the 1st episode might kill you.

*after seeing this through and you are not feeling anything..thats too bad.*


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majin (2004-03-12 11:35:52)   2004-02-11 00:34:30
Average 8.8
Animation 8
Sound 10
Story 8
Character 9
Value 9
Enjoyment 9
Kokoro Library is a good-hearted story of three sisters who love books and maintain a library their father left them. If you have a love of books, there's no doubt you will love this anime, although I don't think Kokoro Library is only suited for book-lovers. Since it has good animation, charming characters and kind-hearted humour, Kokoro Library will be a good viewing for ordinary anime-lovers who don't dislike calm atmosphere. The story is never didactic or preachy, thanks to the cute animation style and the nice story-telling. The music of Kokoro Library is one of the best I've ever heard in anime. Especially the OP/ED songs are very, very beautiful.


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Encu (2007-05-29 21:30:42)   2004-02-01 18:35:34
Average 5.5
Animation 6
Sound 6
Story 5
Character 4
Value 5
Enjoyment 7
It's an anime about a library... what do you expect?
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lonecynic (2004-11-18 21:05:11)   2004-01-30 18:49:50
Average 9.2
Animation 9
Sound 10
Story 9
Character 9
Value 8
Enjoyment 10
The roots of this show is humanism. Aruto professes not to believe in God, but in her mom and dad, both of whom have died, lending to miracles occuring. However lofty its theme may be, this show brings forth a warm and tender viewing experience that makes it one of those that I cherish.
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Luminaria (2004-01-23 21:25:44)   2004-01-23 21:24:25
Average 7.8
Animation 8
Sound 9
Story 7
Character 8
Value 7
Enjoyment 8
When you think of Kokoro Library think basic. To Heart basic. Most of the eps are kinda stupid and pointless but there IS a story being worked out, trust me :)

If you thought of this as a picture book in motion you wouldnt be too far off from the truth. The backgrounds seem more like watercolor paintings then backdrops. The music has a distinct feel to it and does a great job of creating the show's atmosphere.

There's no action or fanservice. The little comedy in the show almost always stems from Ina's fantasy of a sexual relationship with kokoro. It's hard to talk about the real story without spoiling everything that the anime works up to so I'll stop here.

If you dont mind episodes about everyday stuff like wattering flowers, retuning a library book, etc then give this a try.


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Anjin-san (2004-01-14 06:26:14)   2004-01-14 06:07:52
Average 5.8
Animation 7
Sound 7
Story 5
Character 5
Value 5
Enjoyment 6
Started watching this a few years ago, but went ahead and finished it a few weeks ago, since I only had few episodes to go.

Well, this seems to be set in a sort of an "alternate reality" since the characters have Japanese names, but the setting isn't Japanese at all. Or at least not what we're used to seeing. Also, in later episodes there are references to and scenes from a war between some countries, and it's not WWII, or any other war we know.

Anyway, storywise it isn't all that, pretty much just about the girls and how they try to preserve the library that their father and mother built and left in their care.

I suppose one could pass this off as a kiddie show, but it works for people in any age group I suppose. Just don't expect any hardcore action or fan-service, because there isn't one. This show is just trying to be cute for the most part.

Rewatch value isn't so great for me, so I guess this one goes into "the vault."


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autarch (2003-10-22 02:46:55)   2003-10-22 02:44:31
Average 8.7
Animation 8
Sound 10
Story 9
Character 8
Value 8
Enjoyment 9
This anime has some of the best music I've ever heard in a TV show or movie. I actually went out and bought the CD, and I'm really impressed at the level of thought that went into each composition. The opening and closing songs are also excellent, with amazing orchestration.

The show at first seems like sickly sweet kawaii stuff, but I was amazed at how almost every single secondary character and casual background detail was integrated into the plotline by the last episode. There are a number of rewards here for a careful watcher. A seemingly casual phrase from a character in one episode can be the key to understanding something that comes several episodes later. There is almost no character or detail that doesn't connect to something else in the series.

It is actually a lot more serious than you might think from watching the first few episodes, and the story is very carefully constructed. Give it a chance and you might be impressed.

That said, it does move at a slow pace. If you're not prepared to sit back and watch a little girl spend a minute watering flowers, you'd best give this one a pass.


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pogopal (2003-11-02 14:10:13)   2003-10-11 18:22:22
Average 9.0
Animation 9
Sound 10
Story 6
Character 10
Value 9
Enjoyment 10
I've started watching kokoro library as 2 friends of mine told me it was the most boring anime they ever watched...that caught my attention. but what i saw was only a rather boring first episode...this anime has the ability to grow better and better with every episode! it envolves from a storyline that initially seems to be the worst ever.
in the end i really think this anime stands for one thing kokoro (heart), cause it's the warmest and sweetest story i've ever seen as anime.
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r0d3n7z (2003-12-13 22:05:36)   2003-10-07 12:36:01
Average 7.8
Animation 9
Sound 8
Story 7
Character 7
Value 8
Enjoyment 8
It's just a sweet, cute anime with little plot - there is just a bit of storyline going on in the last few episodes, but not much aside from that. Some interesting stuff behind the setting of the library and its history, and something curiously quirky about the girls, but if you're out for some excitement, give this one a pass.

Good to watch if you just want to loosen up and relax - good doses of humor and cuteness. Heartwarming.


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LK (2003-09-16 00:44:16)   2003-09-16 00:37:45
Average 9.3
Animation 8
Sound 9
Story 10
Character 10
Value 9
Enjoyment 10
KOKORO LIBRARY

There is a small library on a mountain,
far away from where people live,
At the library,
there is a kind girl,
A strong willed girl,
And a girl who has the same name as the library..


Welcome to Kokoro Library (which literally translates to "Heart Library"). This series is about the tales of three sisters who work in the library mentioned above. As the library is far away from where people live, there aren't many people who come around to borrow books. However, there are still enough adventures for the three sisters to go on to keep you entertained, especially for the youngest sister. Her name is Kokoro-chan and she is eager to become a fully qualified librarian.

Although at first sight, this series seems like yet another fan-service-with-maid-outfit show, there is actually a much deeper story behind it. Why was there are library on the mountain far away from the city instead of having it where people would actually come to borrow books?
Why does the second sister keeps falling asleep at work? What happened to their parents? Besides the three sisters, there's a there's a cast of supporting characters whom make up the richness of the stories presented in this series.

And to top it all off, Kokoro-chan is so cute ~_~


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