People have an innate fondness for reading, be it for academic pursuits or navigating the demands of the workspace. Public libraries stand as invaluable resources, providing a wealth of information and fostering a culture where knowledge is readily accessible to all. So, if you want to discover new books, study, or simply enjoy being surrounded by books, here are the public libraries in Metro Manila.
National Library of the Philippines
The National Library of the Philippines preserves the country's cultural heritage, including important works like Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, and holds over a million reading materials, along with historical documents like the Philippine Declaration of Independence.
Location: 1000 Kalaw Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Library hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Manila City Library
The Manila City Library has 11 branches across the capital city to serve six districts. The main library on Taft Avenue is popular among students from nearby colleges and universities. It has special sections on Filipino and Manila history, culture, arts, and local ordinances. Visitors can also enjoy free computer access with internet/Wi-Fi, like in other libraries.
Location: 800 Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila
Library hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Quezon City Public Library
The Quezon City Public Library is responsible for obtaining, organizing, and distributing books and other materials to cater to the community's reading needs. It also supports the city's well-being by providing educational resources and hosting various activities, making it an inclusive space for everyone.
Location: Gate 3, City Hall Compound, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100 Metro Manila
Library hours: Monday 8:20 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday to Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Valenzuela City Library
The Valenzuela City Academic Center for Excellence (ValACE) is a recently opened six-story public library with 16,000+ books. It includes sections like a senior’s corner, general reading area, children’s area, study rooms, and a computer room. The library offers diverse reading resources, from Filipiniana to foreign literature, and is open to everyone, not just Valenzuela City residents. Within a year, ValACE received recognition from the Gawad Pampublikong Aklatan
Location: A. Pablo Street corner MacArthur Highway, Malinta, Valenzuela City
Library hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the first and third floor; and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight on the second floor
Makati City Library
Explore the newly upgraded Makati City Library within Makati City Hall. The library features special book collections, including Gender and Development, PWD, and Law sections. Visitors can use library computers to access e-books and enjoy two free pages of research materials.
Location: 8th Floor, Makati City Hall Building 1
Library hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Muntinlupa City Public Library
The Muntinlupa City Public Library aims to be a welcoming hub of information for everyone, fostering an educated and diverse community. The Children's Section promotes early reading with engaging books, educational games, arts, crafts, and storytelling. The Teen Section offers a variety of fiction, non-fiction, pocket books, and magazines. There's a dedicated area for periodicals, newspapers, and magazines, and the E-Library Program provides free Wi-Fi, table use, and access to the Starbooks digital science library.
Location: 2nd Floor, Plaza Central Bldg., Poblacion, Muntinlupa City
Library hours: Mondays to Fridays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jose P. Laurel Memorial Foundation’s Library and Museum
The second-floor library in the Jose P. Laurel Memorial Foundation Library and Museum houses documents about Philippine History. It serves as the hub for activities and projects, promoting the works and ideas of Dr. Jose P. Laurel using its accumulated funds.
Location: Roxas Boulevard, corner Pedro Gil St, Malate, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Library hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m, 1 p.m to 4:30 p.m
Ortigas Foundation Library
The Ortigas Foundation promotes the understanding of Philippine history, art, and culture through a vast collection that includes 35,000 reference books, 9,000 photos, 300 magazines, and rare maps. The library also showcases Dr. Gregorio F. Zaide's books about Jose Rizal, Japanese war crime trial records, and various historical materials. It also offers services like book donations, paper conservation, photo reproductions, and painting restorations.
Location: 2nd Floor of McKinley Parking Building, Greenhills Shopping Center
Library hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Aurelio Montinola, Jr. Library
Explore Aurelio for over 9000 materials covering French language and culture, including novels, comics, DVDs, CDs, and magazines. They offer a "Bibliothèque de l’apprenant" for learners at all levels and a kid's corner with monthly French cartoons and storytelling sessions.
Location: Alliance Francais de Manille, 209 Nicanor Garcia Street, Bell Air II, Makati City
Library hours: Tuesday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Magsaysay Laureate Library and Museum
The Magsaysay Laureate Library and Museum aims to be a significant hub for studying transformative leadership in Asia. It currently holds a vast collection of materials about Magsaysay Laureates, including unpublished papers, books, photos, and archival items. The library will showcase curated exhibits, documentaries, and forums about the Laureates' lives and work.
Location: 1680 Roxas Blvd, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metrp Manila
Library hours: : Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m, 1 pm. to 4:30 p.m.