The library started as a part of the Institute when it was established in 1941. The collection of books and periodicals concerning the problems of cold regions such as snow and ice, including the field of cryobiology, has grown gradually, mainly for the use of the Institute staff.

DESCRIPTION OF POLAR COLLECTION: Subject: Low Temperature Science including all publications from the Institute of Low Temperature Science, polar expeditions (scientific and general), glaciology, general problems of cold or snowy regions, maps, and books of photographs. Area: Snowy areas of Japan, Arctic, Subarctic, Antarctic, Alpine mountains, cold and temperate glaciers. Language: Japanese, English, Russian, German and French.

Northern Regions Center's activities with other regions in Hoppoken are: stimulating the culture and economy of Hokkaido, improving the lifestyle and environment of Hokkaido in harmony with its natural northern features, internationalization of Hokkaido, increasing international assistance and contributions to "Betterment of Northern Living" concept. The Japanese term "Hoppoken" corresponds to "northern regions" in English. The Center conducts special research of Hoppoken's life, culture, economics and offers valuable suggestions to solve Hokkaido's problems. It is an incorporated body approved by the Prime Minister of Japan, with the aim of contributing to the progress and development of Japan and Hokkaido.

DESCRIPTION OF POLAR COLLECTION: Collections on culture, northern development policy and economics. Data Collection: The Northern Regions Center gathers data and information on Hoppoken from throughout the world and disseminates it among the people in Hokkaido. The Center makes this information available by opening its library of over 10 000 books, slides, films, and video tapes to the public, issuing periodicals, newsletters and other publications, exhibiting photo panels, relevant daily necessities and other goods, and holding lectures and seminars featuring experts in various fields. Research and Study: The Center conducts special research on Hoppoken's life, culture, economics, and other matters, and offers valuable suggestions to solve Hokkaido's problems. The Center has published 68 reports. Promotion of International Exchanges: With the objective of promoting international exchanges between Hokkaido and other northern regions in a wide range of fields such as economics, culture and sports, the Center organizes simultaneously interpreted international conferences, sends and receives goodwill missions, and holds events to promote exchanges. The Center has various language study facilities open for public use.

April 1962: Library, Polar Section, National Science Museum. April 1970: Library, Polar Research Center, National Science Museum. September 1973: Library, National Institute of Polar Research in Kaga.May 2009 Moved to Tachikawa City.

DESCRIPTION OF POLAR COLLECTION: Aeronomy (aurora and airglow, cosmic-rays, ionosphere, geomagnetism), meteorology, earth sciences (geology, geography, glaciology, seismology, geodesy, geochemistry), oceanography, biology, medical science, logistics and narratives of expeditions in the polar regions, especially in Antarctica.