Libraries are formative institutions, especially for students. They are learning corners, a “silent” refuge, and even a safe space within schools. But not all libraries are equally equipped with books, for one.
According to a study published by the National Library of the Philippines in 2018, one of the most common problems encountered by library-goers is the presence of obsolete materials found in public libraries. This is no coincidence given that the stream of donations usually comes from private individuals and nongovernmental organizations in the absence of dedicated book budgets.
[READ: The Manila City Library is proof that public spaces aren’t gov’t priority]
A glimpse into school libraries may offer a different perspective given that learning institutions usually have allotted budgets for their upkeep. But just the same, public school libraries often get the shorter end of the stick.
Book donations are one way to fill libraries with new books and not to mention, a great way to pay it forward by donating books that often lie unread in our rooms. (Ahem: Escaping tsundoku: How to stop book hoarding for good.)
And if you are looking for a place to drop them off, the Ortigas Foundation Library recently put out a call for book donations to be sent to their partner public school libraries. And yes, you can donate mostly any kind of book, from old textbooks to novels.
All you have to do is call them up and arrange for a drop-off. The Ortigas Foundation Library is located at 2F McKinley Bldg., Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City.
It’s also a convenient excuse to explore the library’s collection of over 23,000 books, serials, images, and documents relating to Philippine history if you haven’t already.
