National Library rekindles love of reading with Book Cart Library

MANILA, Philippines - Explore the world, beyond what the naked eyes can see. Open your imagination to a world full of endless possibilities.

All these and more can only be made possible through reading books and developing a sense of love for it. However, as technology dominates the world, more and more people, especially the youth, are starting to forget how magical it is to read a paperback.

Last July 12, the National Library of the Philippines, along with the Library Renewal Partnership and 70 Degrees of Change Foundation, officially launched the Book Cart Library project at the Luneta Park, which aims to bring back the good old habit of reading books among young children. Fifth grade students from Adamson University were the first ones to experience the project.

Spearheaded by Melanie Abad-Ramirez, section head of the National Library’s children’s division, the project is basically a library-on-wheels filled with books that kids can read and enjoy. The National Library’s mascots, Melay and Onyot, go around Luneta to engage kids to read and enjoy fun activities.

Library Renewal Partnership chairperson Quintin Jose Pastrana shares that the project was first tested in San Andres Bukid with the Missionaries of the Poor, where the team saw firsthand that reading books to less fortunate kids uplifts their spirits. With the good turnout, they decided to take it up a notch and go nationwide through the Book Cart Library.

Within the four walls of the library reside knowledge that people can unravel through books, and bringing the library outside of its walls is one way to improve literacy, particularly among children who barely have access to reading resources.

The project does not only cater to students around the metro, it also extends to children who are less fortunate.

Grade 5 students of Adamson University enjoy the children’s books offered at the Book Cart Library.

Teacher Lani da Silva of Everest Academy encourages teachers and students alike to volunteer to read books to children who could not afford to go to school so they can experience a school environment even for once every week.

Our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal once said that the youth is the fair hope of the motherland. It is through their very hands that this nation will rise from the ground and prosper.

One significant way to fuel this hope is to bring children back to reading books – starting with the Book Cart Library project.