Since 2007, I have been an active volunteer of the Cebu City Public Library. The library is a venue for inspiration. I am continuously inspired by the examples of librarian Rosario “Ruth” Chua and her staff.
They motivate me to do more for the community.
In 2012, I co-founded a volunteer storytelling group called Basadours (or ambassadors of reading) whose main goal is to spread the love of reading through storytelling. Children between 3 to 10 years old are our primary target participants. The goal is for them to have an enjoyable and fun experience with books.
In the last six years, we have held countless storytelling sessions inside the library. We have utilized the main reading area, the audio-visual room and the children’s corner. The sessions invited children from various barangays in Cebu City.
We interacted with the children as well as their parents. In fact, in recent sessions, we made sure to also have a simultaneous session with parents — while the children are in their own session — on the importance of reading to their children.
When you announced that the library will be open 24/7, I was very happy. I went to the library on the first night of 24/7 operations which ran effortlessly. I loved the crowds of people who flocked there. They were disciplined and considerate.
But the last six days or so I have observed certain incidents, which I believe should be brought to your attention.
First off are library users who question the dress code of “no sando, no slippers and no shorts.” I believe that the users need to be reminded that the responsibility to use the library for free comes with following its rules and guidelines. I personally witnessed students, who told the guard and library staff that “Mayor Osmeña said we can wear shorts and slippers.”
I also saw and heard some of the users intimidate the staff and said, “Isumbong tamo ni Mayor” when they were told that they cannot enter the library. Subsequently, there is a need to orient the new staff on how to explain the dress code to library users so we are on the same page.
My second point pertains to library users who refuse to deposit their bags at the baggage counter. I do not know everything about the library rules on this but I reckoned this is for safety.
The users can take their valuables and bring them to the table/area where they are studying. Again, this part of library rules needs to be reiterated. I suggest infographics and posts/signs visible in conspicuous places to remind library users about this. Same thing with the dress code.
In my visits at the library, I noticed library users sleeping in the children’s corner.
I also received reports from other library goers. This brings me to my third point. I believe the Zonta Club of Cebu II wholeheartedly donated this corner for parents to bring their children; a venue for bonding and learning.
The children’s corner is a literary paradise; full of books and materials for children to enjoy. There is a portion covered with rubber mats so children can actually sit down and read a book. Seeing parents with their children on their laps while reading a book is one of the most beautiful sights in the world.
However, I have been seeing adults who lie down — yes literally lie down — on the floor. They get up when library staff reprimanded them but they resume their action after the staff leaves.
Because the children’s corner is open for anyone, I feel that it has ceased to become a children’s corner.
May I then respectfully suggest that the children’s corner be made exclusive to children and their parents or adults with children from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.? From 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., other people can utilize it as you are working doubly hard on renovating the other floors of the building.
I feel the need to emphasize that while students are using the library, we should likewise be sensitive to the needs of others. Usage of the library, I believe, should not just be limited to students.
My fourth point involves the revival of the Friends of the Cebu City Public Library.
This is perhaps a task that Mrs. Chua can spearhead. The Friends of CCPL can be a loose group of individuals and organizations who will help the library become better.
To start, volunteers can be accredited to work in the library. They can be given working schedules. I am confident there are several individuals and companies who will gladly volunteer as friends of the library.
Lastly, I think the library can be a venue for community service works for those, who violate the curfew rule and the “no segregation, no collection” policy of the city.
I am writing this in my capacity as an individual recognized twice by the Cebu City Government as an outstanding leader: first in 2007 as an Outstanding Youth Leader in the College Category and second in 2011 as an Outstanding Cebu City Individual primarily for my work and contributions in the library.
It will be a shame if I stay quiet and not write this letter to help out in making the library a better place for learning and development.