Cebu City public library: The Philippines' top performing

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Public Library has been recognized as the top performing public library in the Philippines.

Chief Librarian Rosario Chua received the award last March 19 during the National Conference of Librarians at the City State Asturias Hotel in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The National Library of the Philippines recognized the Cebu City Public Library for its outstanding performance in widening its services to over 103,528 clients in 2018 and for being the first public library in the Philippines that offers 24/7 public service.

“I'm happy and grateful to the National Library of the Philippines for recognizing our effort,” Chua said, “having a 24/7 service made us feel relevant and effective.”

She took pride in saying it is also the only library in the Philippines that offers services for the blind and marginalized people, language classes, and public speaking workshops.

“Among [aim] dili lang siya for students maka-benefit sa benefisyo sa library. Kung mahimo tanan klase, from bata to tiguwang,” she said, “among users dili lang students, naay senior citizens, out-of-school, young graduates aspiring to land a job.”

She said this year, they aim to transform the library through acquiring and adding new technology, developing new content and services for the new generation of users.

The Cebu City Public Library is also the first 24/7 library in Asia.

Chua added they want to “expand new spaces to serve all types of clients, lifelong learners, and future potential library partners.” —Raizza Aliviado/BRP (FREEMAN)