WATCH: Video connects Aussie librarian with special Manila library
MANILA, Philippines - Scrolling through his Facebook news feed, a librarian halfway around the world spotted something interesting.
It was about a free library in Manila in the Philippines, run by Ernando Guanlao or Nanie. For over 15 years, he has opened his home to anyone with a desire to read, 24/7.
“I thought, there had to be something me, as a librarian, for me to do, that I can help or contribute to Nanie’s cause,” said Jason Cordi, a librarian from Australia.
He got in touch with the people that made the video, money transfer and remittance service WorldRemit, to find out how to get in touch with Nanie. Watch his story:
“When I first commissioned the video, I had no idea the impact it would have,” said WorldRemit head of content Fiona Graham.
“We’ve had over two million views on Facebook alone - it’s been fantastic to see the response – and wonderful to be able to support both Jason and Nanie.”
Nanie also takes books to communities in Manila and rural areas where there is little or no access to books. It has also reached the Aeta community or indigenous people in North of Manila in the Pampanga region.
“Books can change the world. This is the world that needs the books to be read, that makes the books happy. The remotest places the books can reach,” said Nanie.
For Jason, the trip has been life-changing.
“As a librarian, it is part of my career to want to help bring information and stories to people,” he said.
“One of the big lessons I learnt from this experience is that you can start from something small and it will grow as long as you have the passion to do it,” he added.
If you would like to donate books to Nanie Guanlo and the Reading Club 2000, the address is 1454 Balagtas St., Brgy. La Paz, Makati City, Philippines 1204
www.facebook.com/ReadingClub2000
WorldRemit is a digital money transfer service that lets you send funds quickly, easily and securely to 125 countries worldwide. Send from our app or website via mobile money, bank deposit and cash pickup.
