Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Kaxandra Salonga

ABS-CBN News

Library corners inside malls in Metro Manila are drawing attention as new hangout spots for those wanting to revive the joy of reading and learning.The Book Nook, found inside SM malls, is among those leading the effort to make libraries more accessible to the public.“Talagang marami ‘yung nahuhumaling sa paggamit ng kanilang gadgets. So nakikita natin ‘yung pagbaba ng interes sa pagbabasa ng libro. Because of this, ang layunin natin ay i-offer ang Book Nook as a safe space, when they visit the mall, a safe space for them to read books and to learn new things,” said Richard Caluyo, assistant vice president of SM Cares.At the Book Nook, visitors can browse through novels, self-help guides, history books, children’s stories, and comics. Unlike traditional libraries, it welcomes conversation to encourage open discussion and knowledge sharing.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/9/24/filipino-book-lovers-flock-to-mibf-2025-in-celebration-of-reading-culture-1445">Filipino book lovers flock to MIBF 2025 in celebration of reading culture </a> </div>“Yung library raw na nakasanayan natin ay definitely located in a corner na masyadong tahimik. So we experimented and we identified spaces na talagang makakatulong para maging mas interesting ‘yung space,” Caluyo said.The Book Nook runs on a “read one, share one” system, where visitors can donate or swap books at no cost. It welcomes anyone who wants to sit down and read during the mall hours.Book Nook’s expansion continues with branches in SM Aura, The Podium, and SM North EDSA, and another slated to open at SM Mall of Asia.Papemelroti, a local craft store known for its handmade stationery and home décor, also opened mini libraries in several of its Metro Manila branches. The initiative allows visitors to donate or take home books from their stalls in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, UP Town Center, SM North EDSA, and their main branch along Roces Avenue in Quezon City.“Kahit walang kapalit, pwede silang kumuha ng libro. Ang purpose naman nung mini library namin ay magkaroon ng pagkakataon na makapagbasa lahat ng tao, lalo na ‘yung mga gusto matuto magbasa,”  said Patricia Clarin, Papemelroti’s social media associate. For some mall-goers, these spaces have become new go-to hangouts for bonding and relaxation.“Libre pa po siya, wala siyang bayad, kaya talagang nakaka-help po talaga siya especially sa mga students,” said Sherilyn Librado, a student.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/8/24/beyond-traditional-shelves-how-book-nook-at-malls-redefine-the-library-experience-0847">Beyond traditional shelves: How Book Nook at malls redefine the library experience </a> </div>“As a parent, gusto natin ma-encourage ang mga bata to read more instead of playing on their gadgets. Instead of walking around aimlessly sa mall, it’s better that we can just stay here, sit, and enjoy the books,” said Grace Briñosa, who visited the Book Nook with her daughter.“This is part ng bonding namin. Whenever we go to a mall, she (her daughter) loves reading so nung nakita niya ito, she really got interested agad,” added Katz Raña, another visitor. The World Bank reported in 2022 that 90 percent of Filipino children aged 10 could not read or comprehend a basic paragraph. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) also ranked the Philippines among the bottom 10 of 81 countries in reading comprehension.For Rochelle Salonga, a librarian from Valenzuela City, these initiatives are crucial in improving literacy nationwide.“Mahalaga na ang isang serbisyo gaya ng aklatan ay lumalapit sa mga potensyal na library visitors. It’s one way of promoting library services and mabawasan ‘yung intimidation na nababanggit sa pagpunta sa mga aklatan,” Salonga said.She added that through these spaces, young Filipinos are given a chance to experience the joy of learning despite economic challenges.

Library corners inside malls in Metro Manila are drawing attention as new hangout spots for those wanting to revive the joy of reading and learning.

Library corners inside malls in Metro Manila are drawing attention as new hangout spots for those wanting to revive the joy of reading and learning.

Malls in Metro Manila open free library spaces to promote reading culture

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Malls in Metro Manila open free library spaces to promote reading culture

Kaxandra Salonga,

ABS-CBN News

Published Oct 05, 2025 10:27 PM PHT

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Updated Oct 06, 2025 02:47 PM PHT

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Community Reading

Library

Mall

Literacy

Reading comprehension

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