10 Libraries in Metro Manila That Are Open to the Public
You don't have to be enrolled in a university to do some learning.
(SPOT.ph) For the longest time, cafés have been the go-to spot for students and those in the labor force who want to get work done—which eventually became a topic for debate: “Is it really okay to stay for long at coffee shops?”
If you’re one of those people looking for other work-conducive places that aren't noisy coffee shops, you can always go back to the basics and stay in a library. Luckily, there are several libraries within Metro Manila you can go to for some alone time with your thoughts, laptop, or a book.
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Here are 10 libraries in Metro Manila that are open to the public:
Quezon City Public Library
Northies, the two-storey Quezon City Public Library houses different reading materials such as periodicals, children’s books, a reference section, e-books, and more. You can easily browse the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) and see if the library has what you need. And just in case you need to take a break, this library has a café that carries coffee, instant noodles, and sandwiches that can be consumed at the designated area for eating.
Quezon City Public Library is at Gate 3, Quezon City Hall Complex, Diliman, Quezon City. Open 8:20 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Both Quezon City residents and non-residents can avail of the library's services. Use of the library is free of charge.
Valenzuela City Library
Just in case you missed the big news, Valenzuela's City opened a public six-storey library in early 2023. This public library has a kid-friendly learning center and a breastfeeding station located on the first floor, more reading cubicles on the second floor, and a computer section on the third. The library’s fourth, fifth, and sixth floors are made into training halls, conference rooms, and special education facilities.
The Valenzuela City Academic Center for Excellence / Valenzuela City Library is along MacArthur Highway, Malinta, Valenzuela City. The first floor is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the second floor is open daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Present a valid ID upon entry. Use of the library is free of charge.
National Library of the Philippines
The National Library of the Philippines is the largest library in the country, housing over a million reading materials, with prized possessions such as the original copies of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, and historical manuscripts such as the Philippine Declaration of Independence and Lupang Hinirang. Fortunately, the library’s extensive repertoire can be accessed for free as the P100-library card has been waived beginning in 2016.
The National Library of the Philippines is along T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Present a valid ID upon entry. Use of the library is free of charge.
Jose P. Laurel Memorial Foundation's Library and Museum
Established in 1960, the Jose P. Laurel Memorial Foundation aims to honor the accomplishments and efforts of the former president. The foundation includes a second-floor library that holds a collection of documents related to Philippine history, as well as works authored by Dr. Jose P. Laurel. Its gallery contains photos of the doctor, his family, his memorabilia, and ancestral houses such as the Tanuan and Peñafrancia.
Jose P. Laurel Memorial Foundation's Library and Museum is along Roxas Boulevard corner Pedro Gil Street, Ermita, Manila. Open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Present a valid ID upon entry.
Ortigas Foundation Library
Ortigas Foundation Library used to be in Pasig City, but it has since moved to a new spot at Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan back in 2021. This library has over 35,000 reference books, more than 9,000 photographs and postcards, over 300 magazines and newspapers, and more than a hundred rare maps. For the history buffs, this library highlights its collection of Dr. Gregorio F. Zaide’s collection of books and articles by and about Jose Rizal, plus a complete set of records of Japanese war crime trials, original newspapers, magazines, and photographs from those years. Other services the Ortigas Foundation Library provides include book donations, paper conservation, photo reproductions, and painting restorations.
Ortigas Foundation Library is at 2/F McKinley Building, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Use of the library is free of charge.
Lopez Museum and Library
The Lopez Museum and Library is the oldest privately owned and managed museum and library specializing in Philippine material. It prides itself on its collection of over 17,000 titles and 31,000 volumes of books and periodicals dating back to the 1500s until the present day. The museum-library’s collections also include rare maps, photographs, posters, precolonial pottery, and important fine art such as those made by renowned painters Juan N. Luna and Felix P. Resurreccion Hidalgo.
Lopez Museum and Library is at 6/F Tower 3, Rockwell Business Center Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City. Open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Use of the library is free of charge.
Aurelio Montinola, Jr. Library
Are you itching to learn French? Alliance française de Manille's library lets you in the world of the French through its collection of 8,000 novels, comics, magazines, DVDs, and documents. They have a "Bibliothèque de l’apprenant" which is a section that aids students of all levels in learning the French language. There’s also a kid's corner, where aside from the reading materials, there’s a French cartoon showing every last Saturday of the month and a monthly storytelling session.
Aurelio Montinola, Jr. Library is at Alliance française de Manille, 209 Nicanor Garcia Street, Bel-Air II, Makati City. Open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Membership rates start at P1,000.
The Filipinas Heritage Library
The Filipinas Heritage Library’s main library collection has over 10,000 Filipiniana volumes published from 1946 until the present day; rare materials such as Antiquarian books, maps, manuscripts, and serials from as early as the 17th century; presidential papers of former presidents Elpidio R. Quirino and Manuel L. Quezon; and over 35,000 photos depicting the Philippine life, history, and culture from the 15th century to the early seventies. From time to time, they do have special pocket events that can be seen on their website.
The Filipinas Heritage Library is at 6/F Ayala Museum, Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City. Open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday. A day pass is priced at P300/person (inclusive of WiFi use and charging of devices).
CCP Library and Archives
The Cultural Center of the Philippines online library has an extensive collection of print and special materials (e.g. videotapes, maps, photographs) about the Philippines and the world. This library houses rare artifacts such as personal collections of national artists Lucrecia R. Kasilag, Lino O. Brocka, Atang dela Rama, and more.
CCP Library and Archives is at 3/F Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Friday. Use of the library is free of charge.
The Magsaysay Laureate Library and Museum
Ramon Magsaysay Center's Laureate Library is a major repository for scholastics who want to know more about the transformative leaders in Asia, and their impact on human development. When you need a break, make sure to drop by the library's under-the-radar coffee shop, The Library Cafe which is run by Gourmet Farms.
Ramon Magsaysay Laureate Library is at Quintos Street, Malate, Manila. Visit to the library is strictly by appointment via the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation’s website.
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