Doulos Hope Floating Book Fair Is Back in the Philippines
Here's where and when you can visit this floating library.
(SPOT.ph) Heads up, bookworms: The world's largest floating library and book fair has returned to the Philippines. The MV Doulos Hope just dropped its anchor in our waters once again—this time in sunny La Union.
Prepare your wallets and have your TBR list on hand because this "book fair on a boat" is only here for a limited time. Here's what you need to know to get your next read for less and help a good cause while you're at it.
Also read: Coming Soon: Metro Manila's First Big Bad Wolf Book Sale for 2025
Here's what you need to know about the MV Doulos Hope's 2025 stop in the Philippines
The MV Doulos Hope is currently docked at Pier 1, Poro Point San Fernando International Seaport. It's open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the last entry aboard the boat at 8:30 p.m.
ICYDK, the Doulos Hope is a floating library and book fair that sails from country to country, docking for weeks at a time, to spread literacy and advocate for education. At every stop, it opens its doors to a massive collection of over 2,000 titles—titles that touch on a wide range of topics. Here, you can shop 'til you drop for reads ranging from children's titles to nonfiction and fiction, and spread social awareness and cultural cooperation at the same time.
We know La Union is far from Metro Manila, but you don't need to rush over right away. The MV Doulos Hope will be here until May 25, so there's plenty of time to plan an Elyu trip not only for the waves and parties but also for some book shopping.
If you're holding on to hope that the MV Doulos Hope stops at a port nearer to Metro Manila, you're not alone. Folks are constantly commenting on posts by Doulos Hope Philippines, clamoring for a stop at the Manila Port—but there's still no word about another visit just yet.
A quick search on the Doulos Hope website reveals that after La Union, the ship will make a brief stop at Kaohsiung, Taiwan, followed by Magong (also in Taiwan), and then a stint in Malaysia. Based on their current schedule, the Doulos Hope may make another visit to the Philippines, specifically Puerto Princesa, in late July or August; however, this has not been finalized as of the time of writing.
How do you get tickets to the Doulos Hope Book Fair?
An advance online booking for the Doulos Hope Book Fair is required. You can book these tickets online. Slots are released on a weekly basis, meaning tickets to the Doulos Hope Book Fair can only be booked starting on the Sunday before your intended visit date.
Tickets cost P50 each, but senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and children 12 and under may enter for free. Simply book your tickets online and have a copy (printed or e-copy) available for validation with a valid ID or passport during your visit. Please note that, like most ships, there are limited accessibility options for individuals with disabilities. Please plan your visits accordingly.
For more information, visit Doulos Hope (The Philippines)'s website.
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