黑料社

MANILA, Philippines 鈥� Libraries have played a pivotal role in shaping communities and civilizations, serving as gateways to acquiring knowledge and as cultural hubs that connect the past and present, ensuring that history and learning are passed down to future generations.

But, reality check: according to a 2023 research report by the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), the total number of public libraries in the Philippines makes up only 3 percent of the ideal as prescribed by law. Most of these libraries are managed by the offices of the heads of local government units (LGUs), while other libraries are managed by various national and local government offices such as the National Library of the Philippines, Public Information Office, and local Tourism and Cultural Affairs agencies. A few more libraries in the country are under the management of civil society organizations or private or nonprofit organizations.

The report also highlighted that while many libraries fall under the supervision of LGUs, they often lack the necessary resources and support to sustain the library鈥檚 operations. The NLP said there may be a need to clarify the role of public libraries in local government plans to help improve their sustainability and effectiveness in serving local communities.

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Another study, the National Book Development Board 2023 Readership Survey, found that only 18 percent of the surveyed adults and 12 percent of the surveyed children were aware of public libraries within their cities or municipalities. Of these, only 51 percent of adults and 60 percent of children reported having visited these libraries.

We talked to four such libraries鈥攖wo public and two independent ones鈥攖o learn about the common challenges they face, how they work to help shape and empower their communities, and how these avenues for public learning can continue to play a role in national education, literacy, and community-building.

Quezon City Public Library

As the highly urbanized home to a wide array of government offices, vocational schools, and educational institutions, including the main campuses of the University of the Philippines-Diliman and Ateneo de Manila University, and also among the wealthiest cities in the country, Quezon City has taken the right course of maintaining and supporting an active library for its residents.

With around 32 branch libraries spread across the districts of Quezon City, including its main hub in City Hall, the Quezon City Public Library provides various activities for its many visitors. The main library continues to find ways to foster literacy and learning, such as conducting reading tutorials for students.

Mariza Chico, the officer in charge of the Quezon City Public Library, said over 699 beneficiaries have benefited from program, which this year finally saw a standardized model for tutorials.

鈥淧ublic libraries serve as a source of credible information and a free force in developing literacy in communities,鈥� said Chico. 鈥淎s a center of information, public libraries not only provide equitable access to library materials, but also programs and activities that elevate the literacy level of people belonging to a particular community, especially those who are underserved.鈥�

Chico, who became officer in charge in 2020, recounted how even during the pandemic, the library was able to keep its community alive through the efforts of its staff and by providing online services such as tutorials and digital resources.

Developing a digitized library is ongoing, said Chico, to enable the institution to adapt to the fast-changing technological environment and to bring the benefits of the library鈥檚 resources to many more constituents.

Visit QC Public Library FB page, email qcplibrary@quezoncity.gov.ph, or visit Gate 3 City Hall Compound, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100 Metro Manila.

Sentro ng Karunungan Library

Located in Tutuban Center Mall in Tondo, Manila, is the Sentro ng Karunungan Library, one of the affiliated public libraries of the National Library of the Philippines.

On the mall鈥檚 third floor, past the shops and restaurants down below, the library is a quaint, quiet space with tables and desks for private reading and discussion, shelves of books and periodicals, and a coffee nook for visitors who would like to stay a little longer.

After moving to its current location from an old facility in Tayuman, the library now focuses on providing a space for relaxation and learning for all sorts of visitors, from children with special needs to out-of-school youth. The library also offers digital literacy classes for senior citizens.

Darwin Besorio, who started working at the library in 2018 and currently serves as the librarian in charge, wants Sentro to become the go-to review center for students and a sanctuary of other learning resources aside from books.

鈥淪tudents, out-of-school youth, senior citizens, children, and even informal settlers, they can all come to the library,鈥� said Besorio, who recalled the challenging times they had promoting the library. The staff handed out flyers and visited schools to spread the word, and these days harness social media to continue to make the library present in the minds of readers and visitors.

鈥淚鈥檓 fighting for the library,鈥� said Besorio. 鈥淔or whatever it can give back to the community.鈥�

Visit Sentro ng Karunungan Library FB page, email sentrongkarununganlibrary2007@gmail.com, call 0966-2640944, or visit 3F, TMX, Prime Block, Tutuban Center Mall, Tondo, Recto Avenue, Manila.

Tanggew: Community Library, Eco-Cultural Learning, and Resource Center

The Tanggew: Community Library, Eco-Cultural Learning, and Resource Center was born out of countless cups of coffee and spirited discussions among a group of passionate individuals committed to making a difference in their community.

Established in 2019 in Northern Sagada, Mountain Province, this community library was created to serve as a vibrant hub for learning, cultural exchange, and community empowerment. With 46 community volunteers, ranging from children to adults, Tanggew promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing through various activities such as the Read Aloud Program and the establishment of community book pantries.

Alma Toyoken, chair of Tanggew, said the initiative is focused on reviving the spirit of volunteerism in an era dominated by capitalism. At the heart of this vision is a deep commitment for the well-being of the communities in Northern Sagada and other indigenous communities of Mountain Province.

Tanggew is temporarily housed in one of the oldest homes in Barangay Bangaan, Sagada. The library鈥檚 resources are supported by partnerships with organizations like Library Hub Philippines and with local community members.

Aside from using books as resources, Tanggew is looking to develop the concept of a human library, where older Sagada residents are treated as 鈥渓iving books鈥� or oral historians who can share their firsthand knowledge of the region鈥檚 culture, history, and traditions.

Visit Tanggew Community Library FB page, call 0915 -0282225, or visit House No. 189, Barangay Bangaan, Sagada, Mountain Province.

Alfredo F. Tadiar Library

To honor Alfredo F. Tadiar, a lawyer, educator, and a pioneer in alternative dispute resolution in the Philippines, his daughter, Neferti Tadiar, converted their family home into a library as a lasting tribute to her father鈥檚 legacy and commitment to education.

Founded in 2017, the Alfredo F. Tadiar Library (AFTL) is an independent research and resource center in San Fernando, La Union. When it first opened, Neferti said the response was overwhelming, particularly from young creative individuals who expressed their longing for this type of space in the area.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know there was that demand [for the library], that young people were looking for this,鈥� she said. Neferti, also an educator, now serves as director of the AFTL.

Like Tanggew, AFTL is supported by a dedicated group of volunteers. They organize regular community discussions and events, helping foster a vibrant, collaborative environment. AFTL also regularly hosts book launches, art exhibitions, and public forums, offering a platform for local artists and writers to share their work and engage with the community.

The library鈥檚 strong social media engagement has helped it attract a diverse range of visitors, from locals and seasonal tourists to international guests. Its well-curated collection includes an extensive Filipiniana collection, making it a valuable resource for researchers and scholars.

Said Neferti: 鈥淟ibraries change people and empower people, because they give information [that allows] them to decide for themselves and to learn their own histories.鈥�

Visit Alfredo F. Tadiar Library FB page, email aftadiarlibrary@gmail.com, call (072)888 0795, or visit 1 F. Ortega Highway, San Fernando, La Union, Philippines.