Cebu City Library turns 100 years

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Public Library (CCPL), which was recently recognized as the top performing library in the Philippines, yesterday kicked off the celebration of its centennial anniversary.

It started with a Holy Mass followed by the ribbon-cutting and motorcade comprising of 120 Angkas drivers.

“What we really need now is space. Ang ako gyung makita, ang mga batan-on gusto mo study, pero walay lugar, walay space,” Chief Librarian Rosario Chua said. (The younger generation wants to study but there is no enough space.)

The public library has been gaining more users since it opened 24/7 and offered additional services to the public. Chua said within a year, they have more than 140,000 clients utilizing the library’s services.

Cebu City Councilor Margarita Osmeña, who led the event’s ribbon-cutting, said fixing the building is prioritized.

“Sa pagkakaron, we’re still fixing the building because it was leaking. We have to fix the structure first and after that let’s go into the inside and see what we can do,” Osmeña said.

Osmeña, in her opening speech, said that since the library cannot accommodate everyone, the city is looking at bringing the library to the barangays. As of now, she said a 24/7 study room in Poblacion, Pardo has been opened for students.

She added that there must be libraries in each barangays where students can study.

However, CCPL yesterday introduced a new project called “Anita’s Garden” where there will be gardens in different barangays that will serve as studying or reading place for children.

Chua said Anita's garden represents the new generation of users --a nurturing individual unified towards attaining a sustainable and safe society.

Meanwhile, the week-long event is consist of various activities such as workshops, lectures, acoustic night, zumba, children activities and pajama party for kids and others.

There will also be a stargazing activity for the public on Friday, April 12.

Councilor Osmeña said P90 million has been allocated for the activity.

On Saturday, the centennial night, there will be an awarding ceremony to recognize individuals who have greatly contributed and helped in establishing and reopening the library.

One of the persons to be acknowledged is student Mitch Roldan who asked Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña to have the public library open 24/7 for students who are in need of a secure and affordable place to study.

The Cebu City Public Library began in 1919 as the Cebu branch of the National Library of the Philippines. It was closed in the mid-40s during World War II and was reopened in 1953.  — Raizza Aliviado (FREEMAN)