Libraries in Manila That You Can Visit
Thinking of visiting a library in Manila? Bookworms, check these libraries out!
In this generation where people prefer something easy, convenient and accessible, whether it’d be searching for newly opened restaurants, must-visit beaches in the Philippines and even finding answers to your homework online, the internet and various research apps are mostly the best solutions. But how sure are we that the information and references are accurate enough? As for some bookworms and bibliophiles here in the Philippines, nothing beats the feeling of reading and smelling a hard bound book and appreciate the history embracing each library.
If you’re in quest for a quiet place where you need things to be done, check out these libraries on our list you can visit located in the heart of Manila and nearby cities:
The Filipinas Heritage Library in Makati
The Filipinas Heritage Library is located at the 6th floor of Ayala Museum/IMAGE Ayala Foundation
The Filipinas Heritage Library, which celebrated its 20th year last August 2016, continues to be the one-stop research center in the country that houses over 13,000 contemporary volumes on Philippine history, art, language, religion and the social sciences, and over 2,000 rare titles, rare books on microfiche, maps, and an extensive library of slides and photographs.
Address: 6/F Ayala Museum, Makati Ave. cor. Dela Rosa St., Makati City
Website: www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph
Note: To go here, you need to book an appointment.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
The National Library of the Philippines in Manila
The National Library of the Philippines/IMAGE Franz Verzon via Wikimedia Commons
The National Library of the Philippines or better known as the “Pambansang Aklatan ng Pilipinas” is the home of some notable works of country’s national hero Dr. Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo and Mi Ultimo Adios. It is by far is the most accessible and go-to public library for students studying near in Intramuros in Manila but mostly used by students working on their thesis and dissertations.
Address: T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila
Website: nlp.gov.ph
Note: Free of charge, just present valid ID
Asian Development Bank Library in Mandaluyong
ADB Library/IMAGE ADB.org
The Asian Development Bank library located along ADB Avenue in Mandaluyong focuses on the organization’s priority thematic sectors which include education, energy, environment, finance and trade, gender and social development, governance, health, regional and integration, transport, urban, and water. Plus, this museum are partners with well-established libraries across the region to promote its use among diverse group of users.
Address: 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Manila
Website: https://www.adb.org
Note: The library is open to external researchers but you need to secure a written request or contact them through this their website.
Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center in Quezon City
VARGAS Museum is located in UP Diliman/IMAGE vargasmuseum.wordpress.com
Situated in the University of the Philippines Diliman campus, Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipina Research Center is the center for Philippines art and culture. Its main thrusts are research, exhibition and education. Known for its unique distinction of being the only art repository in the country embracing the entire range of Philippine artistic creativity from the 1880s to the 1960s. This museum is also the home of some art collections of Juan Luna, Felix Resurrection Hidalgo, Victorio Edades, and Fernando Amorsolo.
The museum including the library and archives is under renovation since December last year. The Administrative Officer advised the staff that it will take a few more months before the library alone will be finished.
Adress: Roxas Avenue, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City
Website:https://vargasmuseum.wordpress.com
Note: They charge P20 for UP students, faculty, alumni and employees; P30 for general public
Operating Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday); Closed on Sunday and Monday
Lopez Museum and Library in Pasig City
Lopez Museum is located inside Benpres Building/IMAGE juanmanilaexpress.com
From the name itself, this library was established by Eugenio Lopez Sr., who was dubbed as the Father of Philippine Television, to provide scholars and students access to his personal collection of rare Filipiniana books, manuscripts, maps, archaeological artifacts and fine art. Some of the works that can be found on these museum are the works of the first internationally acclaimed duo of Filipino painters, Juan N. Luna (1857-1899) and Felix P. Resurreccion Hidalgo (1855-1913), plus priceless personal effects of Dr. José Rizal (1861-1896)
Address: G/F Benpres Bldg., Exchange Road, Pasig City
Website: https://lopez-museum.com/
Note: They charge P100 for adults, and P80 for students and senior citizens
Operating Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Monday to Saturday); Closed on Sunday
Ortigas Foundation Inc. Library in Pasig City
Ortigas Foundation Library/IMAGE OFL Facebook page
If you live nearby urban areas like in Ortigas and want visit a library then look no further. This museum is located at 2nd floor of the Ortigas Building in Pasig City, and is also a Philippine study center with a collection of nearly 21,000 books, serials, images, and documents relating to Philippine history with some dating back to the 17th century. Entrance is free of charge and library hours are from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Mondays to Saturdays.
Address: 2/F Ortigas Building, Ortigas cor. Meralco Avenues, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Website: http://www.ortigasfoundationlibrary.com.ph
Note: For inquiries, please go to www.ortigasfoundationlibrary.com.ph/contact
Sources: Filipinas Heritage Library, Asian Development Bank Library, Asian Development Bank Library, Lopez Museum and Library, The Urban Roamer, Wikipedia, Philippine Online Chronicles
Image Source: The National Library of the Philippines photo from Franz Verzon, Asian Development Bank Library from adb.org, Filipinas Heritage Library from www.ayalamuseum.org, Jorge Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center from vargasmuseum.wordpress.com, Presidential Museum and Library photo from intrepidwanderer.com, Lopez Museum and Library from juanmanilaexpress.com, Ortigas Foundation Inc. library photo from Ortigas Foundation Library’s Facebook page
