The Pasig City government has announced the soft opening of its newly renovated city library, which will start accommodating visitors on May 18.

Mayor Vico Sotto said the upgraded facility will initially operate from Monday to Saturday, with plans to extend library hours in the future.

He added that the project cost around P87 million, covering the major renovation, extension, and basic fit-out of the library’s five floors.

The renovated facility also features a new information technology system, while library personnel continue encoding catalog data.

Sotto apologized to students and residents for the temporary absence of the city library following the demolition of the old city hall.

“Sa ating minamahal na mag-aaral, pasensya na sa ilang buwan na rin tayong walang city library. Alam niyo naman na giniba ang old city hall kung nasaan ang small library, at eto naman malaki ay pinagawa (To our beloved students, we apologize that the city has been without a library for several months. As you know, the old city hall where the small library was located had to be demolished while this larger facility was being constructed),” he said.

 

The mayor said the local government maximized the facility to better serve students and residents.

Sotto also said the proposed Discovery Centrum project was placed on hold due to projected costs amounting to several hundred million pesos.

According to the mayor, the city government may temporarily use the intended Discovery Centrum space as additional workspaces for students.

The renovated library will also include a new alfresco area where the city plans to conduct a competitive selection process for a possible concessionaire or coffee shop.

Sotto added that the city government is also looking for a possible site for a District 2 Library.

The local government said the renovated library aims to provide residents with a space where they can read, study, work, and spend time productively.