Global Reach - Japan

Libraries in the Yokohama area are adopting security measures because of increasing problems with stolen and defaced materials. About 1% of the 3.59 million books owned by 18 municipal libraries disappeared in 2005, amounting to a ¥28.7-million ($246,000) loss. Recipe books, travel guides, newspapers, and maps are the most frequently stolen or damaged items.

--Daily Yomiuri, June 5.