MANILA — Some public libraries in Metro Manila are providing comfortable and conducive spaces to read and learn for bookworms, students who need references for a thesis, or visitors who have reading on their New Year’s resolution.

These public libraries boast a "people-centered" approach in providing materials for learning, as well as activities for their visitors.

And the best part? They are free of charge to anyone who would like to pay a visit.

Valenzuela City Library

Students read in the library of the Valenzuela City Academic Center for Excellence in Valenzuela City on February 6, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Location: A. Pablo Street corner MacArthur Highway, Malinta, Valenzuela City

Library hours: Mondays to Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the first and third floor; and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight on the second floor

Strategically located near schools around the city, the Valenzuela City Academic Center for Excellence (ValACE) or the Valenzuela City Library is a newly-opened 6-storey public library with over 16,000 books in its facility.

Less than a year since its opening, ValACE was recognized by the Gawad Pampublikong Aklatan (GPA).

ValACE ensures that the resources found in the library and activities they create are responsive to the needs of their people.

Students read in the library of the Valenzuela City Academic Center for Excellence in Valenzuela City on February 6, 2024.
Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News 

To quickly search for specific books, the library is equipped with an online public access catalogue to help users find the resources they need.

With a seating capacity for almost 400 individuals, several floors of the library also offer sockets, and free WiFi access.

Resting spaces can also be found in several locations inside the library.

Students read in the library of the Valenzuela City Academic Center for Excellence in Valenzuela City on February 6, 2024. 
Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News 

According to the Valenzuela City Library OIC Rochelle Silverio, the library was designed not just for children, students, and young adults, but also for senior citizens.

“This library is designed by the people not just the infrastructure but also what’s inside—the programs, as well as the resources here should be and must be responsive to what they need kasi kung hindi siya nagiging responsive sa mga tao, they won’t appreciate it,” Silverio said.

In an effort to be more inclusive, ValACE also houses ValSPED Annex, a space for persons with disabilities (PWDs), which allows them to hone their crafts through various workshops. Their products are then sold in the space's gallery.

Students read in the library of the Valenzuela City Academic Center for Excellence in Valenzuela City on February 6, 2024. 
Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Valenzuela aims to be a "reading city" and eventually be a UNESCO Creative City under the field of literature, Silverio said. 

On February 24, ValACE is marking its first anniversary with a "cinema under the stars" event. More information about this event will be announced on the Valenzuela City Library Facebook page.

Students read in the library of the Valenzuela City Academic Center for Excellence in Valenzuela City on February 6, 2024. 
Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News 

 Quezon City Public Library

The Quezon City Public Library – Project 8 Branch conducted a film showing in celebration of Bible Month. 
Quezon City Public Library Facebook page 

Location: Gate 3, City Hall Compound, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100 Metro Manila

Library hours: Mondays 8:20 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Tuesdays to Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Remaining steadfast in providing free library access to the public for over 75 years, the Quezon City Public Library (QCPL) has expanded its reach to 28 branches, spread all throughout six districts of Quezon City, with the main library located inside the city hall compound.

QCPL is an "open to all" library where children, students, professionals, and even senior citizens are welcome.

Patrons study and read books inside the Quezon City Public Library on February 6, 2024.
Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News  

Other than various reading materials, QCPL prides itself as a safe space especially for students who struggle to find a conducive learning environment.

Rare books and collections can also be found in their Filipiniana, Local History and Archives Section.

Patrons study and read books inside the Quezon City Public Library on February 6, 2024. 
Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News 

There is also a coffee shop inside the library, allowing visitors to have a sip of coffee while reading their books.

Despite its offerings, the library struggled to attract more visitors, especially after the pandemic.

“May struggle na mapabalik natin ang mga clients natin sa physical library with the onset of technological innovation… Lalo pa nag-pandemic pa, talagang naapektuhan ang readership natin,” Quezon City Public Library OIC Mariza Chico said.

Patrons study and read books inside the Quezon City Public Library on February 6, 2024.
Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News  

Aside from offering library services, QCPL also has free online Japanese language tutorial, which started as face-to-face classes in 2019 and transitioned to an online set up since the pandemic.

 Makati City Library

Location: 8th Floor, Makati City Hall Building 1

Library hours: Mondays to Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Makatizens may now enjoy their newly-renovated Makati City Library located just inside the Makati City Hall. The library houses unique collections of books, such as their Gender and Development section, PWD section, and Law section, among many others,

Library visitors can also access e-books through the desktop computers and laptops found inside the library. Moreover, visitors can also get two pages worth of research materials for free in the library.

Have a glimpse of what’s inside the Makati City Library and how to apply for a library card though this video:

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Muntinlupa City Public Library

Location: 2nd Floor, Plaza Central Bldg., Poblacion, Muntinlupa City

Library hours: Mondays to Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

With a mission to provide free and open access to information to its residents, the Muntinlupa City Public Library can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Their Children section encourages preschoolers and elementary students to kickstart their love for books and reading at a young age through a variety of engaging books, alongside educational board games, arts and crafts, and storytelling activities.

The Teen Section is also one to check out for its array of fiction and non-fiction books, pocket books, and even magazines.

The also have a section dedicated for resources like periodicals, newspapers, and magazines.

For those working on their homework or research online, the E-Library Program of MCPL includes free Wi-Fi, free use of tables, and access to Starbooks, a digital science library established by DOST.

Furthermore, this library has a Library Online Help Research, an online assistance system for researchers who are in need of specific materials for their research.

Be updated with the library’s programs and activities through its Facebook page.

 Manila City Library (Main Library)

Location: 800 Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila

Library hours: Mondays to Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Manila City Library has 11 branches spread throughout the capital city to serve its six districts.

Its main library located in Taft Avenue is a haven for students in the area's colleges and universities.

Given the city’s rich history, this library offers a Filipiniana section and a Manilaniana section, which contains reading materials on the history, culture, arts, and images of Manila. Ordinances from previous and present local officials may also be found in this section.

Like other libraries, the Manila City Library also gives its visitors free use of computers equipped with internet/Wi-Fi.

Discover Manila City Library’s various activities on its Facebook page.