National Library breathes new life into children’s nooks
After halting the operations of its children’s library in the last decade, the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) has finally breathed new life into it with a much bigger and more interactive space dedicated to the country’s young blood.
From just a cramped section at NLP’s main area on the second floor, the new children’s library now has its own space on the fourth floor with reading rooms and learning nooks in various themes that would help encourage younger generation to pick up the habit of reading in traditional forms. Much has already been written about the benefits of traditional reading (that is, of books, newspapers, magazines and other print materials) to developing the mind, as opposed to online reading.
“It’s long overdue … There were delays [in the construction], budget issues. So it was interrupted for a time,” NLP Director Cesar Adriano told the Inquirer on the sidelines of the launching of the children’s library on Nov. 7.
The NLP also had to cease public access to the children’s library in the last 10 years due to “retrofitting” and adjustments of the building.
Reading corners
Supertyphoon “Uwan” (international name: Fung-wong) also disrupted what was supposed to be its opening day on Dec. 22. But with better weather conditions, doors will be open to visitors every weekday starting this week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Some 50 elementary students from Malate Catholic School and Philippine Normal University were able to see for themselves the new reading areas. First lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, as well as book authors and publishers led the launching held in time for the commemoration of Services Information Month in November, intended to raise awareness on the role of public libraries in promoting literacy and encouraging shared learning experiences.
Designed by architect Maila Manalan-Moreno, the new children’s library has reading corners given these assigned designations—Enchanted Trove, which features story books; Discovery Cave, which has reference books such as almanacs and encyclopedias; Kwentuhan Lounge, where picture books are displayed; and Treasure Trove and other cozy reading nooks.
At the center of the children’s library is a big TV screen where visitors can play educational games with their friends. An area is also lined with multiple tablets to help visitors navigate the library catalog.
Also featured is a “recording room” where professional storytellers or “kuwentistas” produce and edit their storytelling videos that are posted on the NLP’s official social media pages. This area served as a vital function of the children’s library as they led storytelling sessions and tours, even when it was just sharing space with the main library before.
Visiting schoolchildren
Adriano said the NLP plans to hold around three to five tours per week for guests of the children’s library. “And we have more upcoming gimmicks for the children’s library,” he said.
Nylee, a Grade 7 student of Malate Catholic School, is looking forward to frequently visiting NLP to explore books that would enhance her vocabulary at a library that is “not like the others.”
“We get to have a library made for children and it’s not like the other libraries that are not so enticing for children like us because the topics in the library are for older readers,” she said in an interview with the Inquirer.
“And it’s not just a place where we can learn, it’s also a place where we can have fun,” she added.
