The National Library of the Philippines recently celebrated its 134th anniversary on August 13 with the announcement of upcoming innovations in its programs and its services to coincide with the "new normal" brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the theme "National Library of the Philippines 134th Founding Anniversary: Continuing its Vision and Mission Amidst Pandemic," the NLP strives to make its services available and more accessible to the people, while improving its on-site facilities, as the pandemic changes the way learning materials are consumed.
Going digital
Among the key plans of the NLP is to continue the enhancement of its building and at the same time procure necessary equipment which would be vital in the development of its online facilities, among others, as part of its vision to focus on enhancing services and facilities contributing to the social and cultural development of Filipino society.
National Library of the Philippines director Cesar Gilbert Quizo Adriano sat down and bared the importance of celebrating the National Library's anniversary, and the plans for the institution moving forward to the “New Normal” during a question-and-answer portion with attendees.
As it celebrates its 134th anniversary, NLP wants to maintain its ISO certification, while elevating its human resource management system through the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM).
It has also made innovations in its facilities that will aid in conserving, preserving, and protecting printed and recorded cultural heritage, while also creating resources catering to different mother tongues to promote preservation of the Filipino language, as the anniversary coincides with Buwan ng Wika.
And among other innovations planned is the International Children’s Library, a digital library initiative formed through a partnership with The Rotary Club of Sta. Mesa.
Adriano said the NLP is “pleased and honored” to be the project’s recipient.
“The Rotary Club of Sta. Mesa did not only give us the chance to widen and improve our services and facilities, but this is a clear sign that you recognize the importance of the National Library of the Philippines in shaping the minds of our youth to be the future instrument of positive transformation in our society. Further, you've put your trust in our institution that we will be able to fulfill this purpose,” he said.