Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie "Wes" Gatchalian led the opening of the city library at the Valenzuela Academic Center for Excellence (ValACE) in Barangay Malinta on Friday, Feb. 24.
"The opening of our city library here at ValACE signifies our city government's recognition of the important role of information and learning in nation building. This is why the city government believes that having a state-of-the-art and modern public library," Gatchalian said.
The city government said it was the first city library constructed in Valenzuela City. It has separate rooms for persons with disabilities (PWD) and children readers.
The local chief executive expressed his gratitude to his brothers -- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rexlon "Rex" Gatchalian, who initiated the construction of the city library and ValACE, and Senator Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian, who helped the city acquire funds for the said establishment.
He also thanked National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) officials, Fukushima 21 Rotary Japan, Pandayan Bookstore, and other institutions that donated books for the newly inaugurated library.
Gatchalian said there are sections in the facility that are still lacking of books. He encouraged the public and other organizations to donate books to the library.
Rochelle Silverio, the city librarian, welcomed librarians from the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela (Camanava), publishers, library volunteers, and city councilors who attended the opening event.
The inauguration was followed by a storytelling activity with city's first lady Tiffany Gatchalian and Dr. Luis "Tito Dok" Gatmaitan, a children's book author, which was participated in by 42 daycare and elementary students.
In line with the inauguration, the city government has prepared more activities in the next two days.
The city government will conduct a coloring contest, calligraphy workshop, storytelling session and a short-film viewing which will be opened to all elementary students in the city on Feb. 25.
On Feb. 26, the city government will hold a cooking demonstration, poetry reading, storytelling session, and a short-film viewing for all city residents.
The library opening coincides with the National Arts Month celebration, city's 25th Charter Day Anniversary ,and the Valenzuela's 400th Founding Anniversary in November.
The library's first and third floors are open everyday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the second floor is open until 12 a.m.