Read for Free: 57 Public Libraries in Metro Manila

Reading to — and with — our kids shouldn't be just an introduction to literacy; it should be a continuous habit they can enjoy, love and live. If your family spends hours in bookstores browsing over interesting reads, but find that buying them takes its toll on your family budget, then it's time to take advantage of an oft-overlooked resource: public libraries.

Check out this list of family-friendly libraries that will surely spark your child's interest. Just by presenting your ID, you can widen your child's horizon with a wide array of titles. Celebrate National Children's Book Day on July 16 by visiting a library close to your place.

Manila
1. The Manila City Library

Manila City Library moved from Mehan Garden in Arroceros on May 2012 to its new location along Taft Avenue (fronting Luneta). Though many of its book collections have been damaged by last year's typhoon, a number of reference books are still useful. Book supplies come from the Manila City Hall, The National Library and generous individual donors. Reference books must be used within the library premises only but may be photocopied. Pocketbooks can be borrowed. The Manila City Library also offers internet services.

Address: 800 Taft Avenue Manila
Tel No: 523-8687
Website: http://manilacitylibrary.wordpress.com/
Email: manilacitylibrary@gmail.com
Library Schedule: 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Mondays to Fridays
To use their internet services, present a barangay certificate, 2 valid IDs and a filled out form


2. Arsenio Lacson Public Library

Formerly Sta. Ana Public Library, this historical site is 57 years old and was named after the Manila Mayor of the 50's, Arsenio Lacson. Once serving as a venue for storytelling by Adarna House Publications, this library now houses a spacious children's section with a TV set.

Address: Calderon cor Suter Sts. Sta. Ana Manila
Tel No: 310-2674
Library Schedule: 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Mondays to Fridays


3. Manila - Sacramento Friendship Library

This library served as a symbol of friendship between Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson and the mayor of Sacramento, California in 1965. Currently, it has a children's playground on the side and ample yard and interior space, making it a perfect venue for puppet shows, kiddie activities and story telling. The books at the new Children's Section were donated by the Rotary Club of Bagumbayan Manila.

Address: Canonigo cor. Zamora Sts., Paco Manila
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ManilaSacramentoFriendshipLibrary
Library Schedule: 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Mondays to Fridays


4. Kapitan Isidro Mendoza Public Library

Situated in a quiet district on a major street, this library has been serving local residents for half a century now. The building and lot was donated by a prominent local, Isidro Mendoza, in 1952. Toys and books are courtesy of private individuals and organizations like Samahang Sining at Kultura ng Pilipinas (SSKPil)  and balikbayan citizens of Pandacan.

Address: T. San Luis cor Central Sts., Pandacan
Tel No: 310-2674
Library Schedule: 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Mondays to Fridays
Library Card requirement: present a barangay certificate, 2 pcs ID photos

5. Manila-San Francisco Friendship Library
1559 Alvarez (near Rizal Avenue) Street, Sta. Cruz (North), Manila
Tel. 711-9840

6. San Nicolas Public Library
Corner San Fernando & Madrid Streets, San Nicolas, Binondo, Manila
Tel. 310-7050
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


7. Tondo Public Library
2/F Tondo Sports Complex, Corner J. Nolasco & N. Zamora Streets, Tondo, Manila
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM
 

8. Valeriano E. Fugoso Public Library
Corner Lacson (Forbes) & Aragon Streets, Sta. Cruz, Manila
Tel. 310-4474
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


9. Bacood Public Library
3825 Biyaya Street, Bacood, Sta. Mesa, Manila
Tel. 716-1828
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM

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Makati

10. Makati City Library

The Makati City Library was instituted in 1954 and later moved to a new building in 2001. It has an air-conditioned children's section with TV set.  Books were provided by the Makati City government. Generous private corporations like fast food chains and private schools also contributed to better the facilities. The Makati City Library spearheads outreach activities in Barangays in Makati in cooperation with the Barangay councils to educate and instill a love of reading in children 3 years old and up.

Address: 8Flr., Makati City Hall Building, J.P. Rizal Street, Makati
Tel No: 899-9071 ; 870-1623
Email: mktcitylib@yahoo.com
Library Schedule: 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Mondays to Fridays


11. Marikina City Library

The Marikina City Library's children's section offers audio and video materials apart from a wide selection of books. It has an attractive and colorful interior for the little play-learners. Seminars, workshops, activities and field trips are part of the Library's services.  Open on Saturdays, consider it as your next weekend stop.

Address: V. Gomez St. cor. Shoe Ave., San Roque, Marikina City
Tel No: 682-9574
Website: http://www.marikina.gov.ph/governmentpages/cpl.asp
Email: marikinacitylibrary@yahoo.com
Library Schedule: 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Mondays to Saturdays

12. Pasig City Library

Pasig City Library seem to have the biggest children's section in Metro Manila. Occupying the entire 1st floor of the Pasig City Library and Discovery Centrum, it has a pretend community area, a play tykes area, story telling area, puppet corner, and even a mini auditorium. Not for kids only, the Filipiniana, novels and pocket books collection will have mom and dad enjoy the visit, too.

Address: Caruncho Avenue Bgy. San Nicolas, Pasig City
Tel No: 640-9082
Website: http://www.pasigcitylibrary.wordpress.com
Email: pasigcitylibrary@yahoo.com
Library Schedule:
8:00AM to 5:00PM on Mondays
8:00AM to 6:00PM, Tuesdays to Fridays


13. Paranaque City Library
Address: Quirino Ave., La Huerta, Paranaque
Tel No: 825-1262
Email: paranaquecitylibrary@gmail.com
Library Schedule: 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Mondays to Fridays
Note: A library card is required in borrowing books
Requirement for library card application: valid ID, 1x1 ID photo, P20 lamination fee

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Quezon City Public Libraries

14. Main Branch
Mayaman Street, Barangay Central, Quezon City
Tel. 927-9834
email: quezoncitypubliclibrary@yahoo.com
Open Mondays to Fridays from 8AM to 5PM, and Saturdays from 8am to4pm


15. Bagong Pag-asa
Road 9, Barangay Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City
Tel. 929 3587
email: pagasalibrarybranch@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 7PM; and Saturdays from 8am to 3pm


16. Balingasa Branch
2F, Crisologo Building, Balingasa Quezon City
email: balingasabranchlibrary@gmail.com
M-F 8-5pm


17. Project 7
Bansalangin corner Palomaria Streets, Barangay Veterans, Quezon City
Tel. 373-4063
email: project7.library@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM

18. Project 8
Road 15 corner Road 19, Barangay Bahay Toro, Quezon City
Tel. 456-1812
email: project8.library@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 9AM to 7PM, and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm


19. Batasan Hills
2nd Floor, Betty Lou Daul Community Center, Arba corner Munoz Streets, Sitio Talanay B, Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


20. Lagro
Greater Lagro Plaza, Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City
Tel. 419-5927
email: lagrolibrary@gmail.com
M-F 8-5pm


21. Novaliches
SB Library Bldg., Quirino Highway, Novaliches, Quezon City
Tel. 417-1124
email: qcpl.sbitc.novaliches@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 6PM, and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm


22. Talipapa
Quirino Highway, Barangay Talipapa, Quezon City
Tel. 455-6904 (Brgy)
email: talipapabranch@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


23. Pasong Tamo
Diego Silang St., Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City
Tel. 428-4066
email: veck927@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


24. Payatas Branch (Lupang Pangako)
Barangay Payatas, Quezon City
email: payatasbranchlibrary@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


25. Payatas Branch (Bulacan Street)
Bulacan Street, Barangay Payatas, Quezon City
email: payatasb.library@gmail.com
M-F 8-5pm


26. Bagumbayan
Barangay Bagumbayan, Quezon City
Tel. 438-4919 (Brgy)
email: bagumbayanbranch@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


27. Greater Project 4
P. Tuazon Avenue, Barangay Marilag, Quezon City
Tel. 438-2208
email: project4branch@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 6PM


28. Pansol
Plaza St. Barangay Pansol, Quezon City
Tel. 435-4381
email: pansolqc@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


29. Escopa 2 Branch
Barangay Escopa 2, Quezon City
email: escopa2branch@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


30. Escopa 3 Branch
Barangay Escopa 3 PUD Site Bliss, Barangay Covered Court, Quezon City
Tel. 438-2920
Email: escopa3branch@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


31. Cubao Branch
Ground floor, Lion's International Building, Barangay Kamuning, Quezon City
Tel. 924-1029
email: cubaobranch@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


32. Galas Branch
Second floor, Barangay Hall, Barangay San Isidro-Galas, Quezon City
Tel. 415-4602 (Brgy)
email: galasbranch@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 6PM; and Saturdays from 8am to 5pm


33. Horseshoe QC
Sunset Drive, Barangay Hall
Barangay Horseshoe, Quezon City
Tel. 724-4268
email: evelyncustodio29@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


34. Krus na Ligas QC
Second floor, Daza Hall
Barangay Krus na Ligas, Quezon City
Tel. 433-3961
email: krusnaligasbranch@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM

35. Roxas Branch
Jasmin Street, Barangay Roxas, Quezon City
Tel. 412-3969
email: roxaslibrary@gmail.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM

sources :
http://web.nlp.gov.ph/
http://www.manila.gov.ph/citylibraries.htm
http://www.qcpubliclibrary.org/

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36. Caloocan City Library
10th Avenue (near Caloocan HS), Caloocan City
Tel: 310-3441
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


37. Malabon City Library
Barangay Hall, Bgy Catmon, Sanciangco Gov. Pascual St. Malabon City
Tel. 287-4885 / 288-6665
email: citylibraryofmalabon@yahoo.com
Open Mondays to Saturdays, 7AM to 6PM


38. Hulong Duhat Library - Malabon
2nd flr. Malabon Fire Station, Don Basilio Bautista Blvd., Bgy. Hulong
Tel (fire station): 281-1141
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


39. Muntinlupa City Public Library
2nd floor, Contessa Building, National Road, Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa
Tel: 861-1122, 861-1123
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM
Website: http://www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph


40. San Juan City Library
Pinaglabanan Shrine, San Juan City
Tel: 383-9244
Open Mondays to Fridays, 9AM to 5PM


41. Taguig City Library
Annex bldg, Taguig City Hall compound, Gen. A. Luna Street, Tuktukan, Taguig City
Tel: 628-3188
email: tclib2010@yahoo.com
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


42. Las Pinas City Library
Ground flr.,Barangay Daniel Fajardo Bldg., P. Diego Cerra Ave., Las Pinas
Tel: 828-0082, 828-5314 (Barangay Hall)
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


Las Pinas Barangay Public Libraries:

43. Almanza Uno Barangay Library
Real St., Alabang-Zapote Road, Almanza 1, Las Piñas City
Tel: 800-3554
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


44. Almanza Dos Barangay Library
Gladiola St., TS Cruz Subd., Barangay Almanza dos, Las Piñas City
Tel: 842-7217
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM, with noon breaks


45. CAA BF International Library
Saging St. Phase 1 BF Int'l-CAA, Las Piñas City
Tel: 826-8818, 820-2016
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


46. Elias Aldana Barangay Library
Real St., Padre Diego Sierra Ave. Plaza Quezon, Bgy. E.Aldana, Las Pinas City
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


47. Ilaya Barangay Library
2nd floor Ilaya Barangay Hall, Balite St. Las Pinas City
Tel: 829-9185
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


48. Manuyo 2 Barangay Library
S. Marquez St., cor Trinidad St. Phase 4, Gatchalian Subd., Manuyo Dos, Las Piñas City
Tel: 829-0186 / 820-1551
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM, with lunch break


49. Pamplona Uno Barangay Library
2nd Flr, Pamplona Uno Barangay Hall, Zapote-Alabang Rd., Pamplona Uno, Las Pinas City
Tel: 871-2771
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


50. Pamplona Dos Barangay Library
Ground flr, Barangay Hall Pamplona Dos compound, Aquarius St., Pamplona Park Subd. Pamplona Dos, Las Piñas City
Tel: 874-6224
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM, with lunch break


51. Pilar Village Barangay Library
Aguirre Rd. (beside Health Center), Barangay Hall area,  Pilar Village, Las Pinas
Tel: 806-7241
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


52. Pulanglupa Dos Barangay Library
Camella Homes 3D, Camella Ave. Pulang Lupa Dos, Las Piñas City
Tel: 871-0094
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


53. Talon I Barangay Library
3rd flr. 370 Real Street, Bgy. Talon Uno, Las Pinas City
Tel: 802-0911
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


54. Talon II Barangay Library
Talon dos Barangay Compound, Cynthia Ugalde Street, Bgy Talon dos, Las Piñas City
Tel: 873-1939
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


55. Talon IV Barangay Library
2nd flr. Barangay Hall, Sampaguita St. San Antonio Valley 17, Talon IV, Las Pinas City
Tel: 800-3466
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM, with lunch break


56. Talon V Barangay Library
Barangay compound (near covered court), Apollo IV Ave., Moonwalk Vill., Las Pinas City
Tel: 805-7768
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM


57. Zapote Barangay Library
Barangay compound (under fly-over), Zapote-Alabang Rd. Las Pinas City
Tel: 871-1229
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to 5PM