Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu of the Embassy of Australia to the Philippines, recently led the unveiling ceremony of the “Australia Corner” at the SM Podium’s Book Nook, together with Book Nook pioneer Architect Shereen Sy, SM Engineering Design and Development president Hans Sy, Jr. and SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.
Book Nook, a community library and learning hub, houses the Australia Corner in Manila and offers visitors free access to children’s books, novels, and educational books about Australia. During the launch, Ambassador Yu handed over a specially curated selection of books from the Australian Embassy, and over 300 books gifted by Melbourne-based non-profit, Give-A-Textbook Foundation (GAT). Founded by Filipino-Australian Samantha Bonney, GAT is run by Australian volunteers who organize book drives and collect reference materials for distribution in the Philippines.
“I am delighted that our Filipino-Australian community has come together to support SM’s Book Nook. I hope this simple gift from Australians to the SM community will encourage reading across all ages, and encourage people to learn about Australia,” said Ambassador Yu.
The idea for Book Nook started when Architect Shereen Sy, while studying in Australia, saw a small unattended shelf in Melbourne where people could take and share books for free. She was motivated by the fact that they have a lot of books at home, and wanted to give to a good cause. She dreamt of bringing a similar concept to the Philippines to make reading and literacy more accessible and enjoyable, and at the same time bring the community closer together through books.
Sy went a step further by not only setting up a communal space for book donations and book swaps, but a hub where people could gather and participate in events and workshops; where authors, artists, and readers could come together to share their passion.
“I am very proud of our Australia alumni Shereen and Chico for bringing their positive experience from Australia and sharing it with the community in the Philippines. This Australia Corner is only the beginning of the Embassy’s partnership with Book Nook. We look forward to making use of this space where Australia-educated Filipinos and Australian guests can potentially deliver workshops, lectures and other cultural events,” Ambassador Yu added.
Book Nook is a community-driven library where anyone can read, donate, and share books. Managed by SM Cares, children and adults alike can enjoy an extensive collection of books, or attend the many events and workshops. Book Nook first opened in SM Aura in 2020, and its second branch is located at the fifth level at SM Podium in the Ortigas Center.
