8 must-visit public libraries in Metro Manila
Internet has become a global means of communication in our everyday lives. Most of us prefer to search and learn things online. With just a few clicks, you can easily find answers to almost all of your questions. Sure, it’s convenient and accessible, but there’s still something about visiting a library that’s rewarding. There’s a different kind of satisfaction in being surrounded by books.
Luckily, we still have a lot of libraries here in the Metro. Here are some of the must-visit public libraries in Metro Manila that you should check out this Reading Month:
CCP Library and Archives
The Cultural Center of the Philippines has its own library and archive where a vast collection of documents relating to Philippine culture is stored. Theater scripts, art books, film reels; the CCP Library and Archives has it all. Located at 3F, CCP Roxas Blvd., Pasay. Open from Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free.
Filipinas Heritage Library
Ayala Foundation’s Filipinas Heritage Library is the perfect place if you’re looking for collections of rare titles. It houses over 13,000 contemporary volumes on Philippine history, art, language, and over 2,000 rare books, maps, and never before-seen photographs. Located at 6F Ayala Museum, Makati. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. With entrance fee of 1100 per day/11,500 per year.
Goethe-Institut Manila
The Goethe-Institut is the go-to place for those who want to learn about German culture and experiences in German exchange. The Goethe’s collections ranges from German books to periodicals, even DVDs of films and documentaries and study guides, as well as hold German classes and film festivals. Located at G/F, Adamson Centre, 121 Leviste St., Salacedo Village, Makati. Open from Monday to Friday, 12 nn-6 p.m. Admission is free, but only members (1500/year) can borrow books.
Lopez Museum and Library
What most may not know is that the esteemed Lopez family owns the oldest private museum and library that specializes on Philippine materials. Most of the 30,000 titles found inside are scholarly works that Don Eugenio Lopez collected over the years during his travels around the world. Located at Benpres bldg., Exchange Rd cr. Meralco Ave., Ortigas, Pasig. Open from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. With entrance fee of 1100.
Ortigas Foundation Library
The Ortigas family too owns a private library with a collection on Philippine history. The 21,000 titles found here ranges from books, documents, and images, most of them found in the personal library of Rafael Ortigas. Visitors may also use Wi-Fi and computers in the cozy lounge areas and attend the many events hosted by the library. Located at 2/F Ortigas Bldg, Ortigas Ave cr. Meralco Ave, Ortigas, Pasig. Open from Monday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission is free.
Quezon City Public Library
The Quezon City Public Library is a two-story building that features a fully automated system and can accommodate 300 readers at most. The first floor contains the reference section, periodicals, and children's corner, while the second floor is for law research and multimedia services. Located at Quezon City Hall Compound, Mayaman St., QC. Open from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free.
Aurelio Montinola Jr. Library
This library inside the Alliance française de Manille houses more than 8,000 novels, comics, DVDs, and magazines about French culture, from reference documents to contemporary publications. They also have a kid’s corner that has 1,700 books that children can enjoy. Located at Alliance francaise de Manille, 209 Nicanor Garcia St., Bel-Air II, Makati. Open from Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free, but only members can borrow books.
UST Miguel de Benavides Library
Miguel de Benavides Library has 16 sections and five branch libraries located in different buildings inside the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Each section/branch offers a collection of print and non-print materials which varies according to courses offered by the university. Located at Alberto Dr, Sampaloc, Manila. Open from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission is free.