The latest study reveals that 18.9 million Filipinos aged 10 to 64 are classified as functionally illiterate, lacking basic comprehension skills. This alarming statistic calls for urgent action across all sectors. Research—including an article from Eastern Washington University—shows that cultivating the habit of reading plays a crucial role in improving comprehension.

This makes it imperative to make books and public libraries accessible to all Filipinos. One initiative addressing this need is the SM Group’s Book Nook—an open library inside SM malls where visitors can freely read and donate books.

First launched at SM Aura in 2020, Book Nook celebrated the opening of its third branch at SM North EDSA on Aug. 14, 2025. In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Shereen Sy, the driving force behind the project, expressed her excitement about the new location, noting its proximity to schools in the area.

“North EDSA is very big. It encompasses many different demographics and also generations of families, from students to elderly,” Shereen said. “Each time we come to a new space, the community makes it their own. It creates its identity and contributes to what interests them. That’s the fun and organic part of Book Nook.”

The launch also coincided with Book Nook’s fifth anniversary and SM Supermalls’ 40th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the group set a goal of collecting 40,000 donated books to share with various schools while hosting events and programs across its locations.

The celebration was also tied to Buwan ng Wika, featuring a Baybayin workshop led by veteran and award-winning journalist Howie Severino. His session highlighted the importance of preserving Filipino scripts and cultural identity, reinforcing Book Nook’s role as a hub for cultural and educational exchange.

“Having a Book Nook like this is great for readers and non-readers because the non-readers might become readers. I think a lot of people are non-readers because they don’t have access to books, they don’t have the opportunities to read, they’re not encouraged to read,” Howie told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “This facility is meant to support any kind of inclination to read. People can go to the bookstore and browse, but a lot of books there are sealed or are not that hospitable for people who just want to chill and read, because they need to buy. Here, they can just stay, spend some time, and read books without spending anything.”

Currently, Book Nook at SM North EDSA houses around 2,300 books spanning fiction, non-fiction, and children’s literature. The team is already looking to expand its collection and adapt the space based on community feedback. Partnerships with organizations such as the National Library of the Philippines, National Book Store, and various publications are helping sustain and enrich each Book Nook branch.

“Book Nook is actually about storytelling. Because it's a community library, it is very organic. In general, we have a guideline for the types of books people can donate. But we don't know how many they're going to donate, and what they're planning to donate. So that is the unique component of it,” Shereen explained. “And we also have books for exchanging. The exchanging component is something you won't find in a traditional library. But I felt the giving and exchanging component is very important because it's different when you receive something tangible. And when a child finds something that they like, for me, that’s the spark that I hope to ignite in the child, or even an adult.”

Book Nook branches are now open in SM Aura, The Podium Mall, and SM North EDSA, with plans to launch another at SM Seaside in Cebu City.