When I was still studying in St. Paul, I used to visit the school's library before and after school, while I wait for my school service. I remember that my library card was always filled with the titles of the books I borrowed - mostly classics and the series of the twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield. My childhood was about books and anime. Now with three kids, I'd like to introduce to them the joy of reading books and "going to places" while sitting in a library. Last week, we had an opportunity to visit the Quezon City Public Library and experienced the Children's Corner.
Quezon City Public Library: Your Local Gateway to Information
The new main public library of the City of Quezon was inaugurated in February 2017. It is located in front of the QC Hall of Justice and has 18 branch libraries around the city. The public library is available free of charge for QC residents.The main library is open:
- 8AM-7PM (Monday to Friday)
- 8AM-4PM (Saturday)
The main library has the following sections:
- Reference Section
- Filipiniana, Local History and Archives Section
- Law Research Section
- Periodical Section
- Children's Section
- Management Information System Section
The library also conducts outreach services like:
- Educational puppet shows
- Library Organizing and Training
- Adopt-A-Library Program
- Little Free Library
- Library Reading Tutorial
- Storytelling
- Summer Reading
- Share-A-Book
- Book Mobile
- Film Showing
QCPL Branches
- Main Library
- District I - Project 8, Project 7, Balingasa, Masambong, Bagong Pag-asa
- District II - Lupang Pangako, Payatas,
- District III - Greater Project 4, Escop II, Escopa III
- District IV - Cubao, Krus na Ligas, Galas, Roxas
- District V - Novaliches, Lagro
- District VI - Pasong Tamo, Talipapa
Library ID Card
I applied for my own library card a few months back. I just approached the information area and presented my ID that bear my QC address. The librarian gave me an application form that I filled out and was instructed to proceed to the Management Information Systems Section to have my photo taken and ID printed. I paid Php60 for my Library ID card.Children's Corner
Our group is composed of families who are homeschooling with at least one child currently enrolled in Peniel Integrated Christian Academy (homeschool provider) and residing in Quezon City. We recently formed our group so that our kids can have interaction with other homeschooling families within our city.Last August 31, Friday, we held our first field trip together at QCPL. Prior to coming to the library, our trip was arranged by a fellow homeschool mom, Ashley. We met at 10AM at the lobby of the library and was ushered by the librarians to the Conference Room on the second floor. As we waited for other families to join us, the kids got to know each other and started playing.
Our program officially started with a prayer, a dance icebreaker, and was followed by a slide show about the library.
The highlight of the program were the puppet shows! The children enjoyed them so much that whenever I do storytelling at home, the kids would always say Chichay is the name of the character in our story. This goes to show that learning through fun and play - in this case a puppet show - is an effective tool for children.
PJ Masks at the Puppet show |
We went down to the Children's Corner on the ground floor after a few group photos with the puppeteers.
I learned that the Children's Section of the main library conducts activities for kids every Tuesdays and Thursdays. They may have a storytelling session, puppet show, or a film showing. We would have to check on their schedule every month though since it changes.
As QC residents, our children aged 3-12 years old are eligible to join the book club of the library: Lib and Rary Children's Book Club. Membership is free and interested parties can get a copy of the application form from Children's Corner staff.
House Rules for Children's Section:
- No food and drinks allowed
- Bags and other belongings should be deposited at the baggage counter
- Shoes and slippers should be placed in shoe rack (tip: bring socks)
- Children under 8 years old are requested to be with their parent/guardian
- Children are not allowed inside the puppet stage
Free kit given to each of the kids as members of the book club |
Library Cafe
The library has a cafe shop on the second floor. It's not air-conditioned but they have big blowers and fans, plus the library is surrounded by trees outside. During lunch time though the area could be warmer than usual.I like the ambiance of the cafe and they have books, magazines, and newspapers you can borrow and read while eating.
Library's Cafe at the second floor of the building |
Here's a video of our field trip:
Telephone 927-98-34/922-40-60
www.facebook.com/quezoncitylibraryandinformationcenter
quezoncitypubliclibrary@yahoo.com
Sana dito mas maraming tao kasi yung mga kabataan natin sa mga parks at internet cafe mas prefer pumunta.
ReplyDeleteYes. At sana gandahan at damihan ang mga libraries for public sa buong bansa para mas maging accessible sa lahat.
Deletetagal na nga library na 'to and buti talagang naalagaan nila
ReplyDeleteCielo Jonna: Meron po pala nito..
ReplyDeleteAwww namiss ko magpunta sa mga ganyan. Library ngayun ata wala na masyadong nagpupunta sa silid aklatan. Kasi sa puro hi-tech na ngayun. basta may internet makakapag search ka na sa google.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the place i'd like to bring my child to. Sana may ganito rin dito samin. Naintroduce ko narin ang books sa baby ko at nakakatuwa na he's intrested. Yung city library dito samin walang kid's corner. :(
ReplyDeleteNice ang ganda ng mga ganitong library . Sana lahat ng jabataan dito pmunta hindi ung talagang sa internet cafe , sana mas marami pang ganitong library sa bansa para mas marami ang pmunta , dati nung nag aaral pa ko gustong gusto ko pmunta sa library nakakamiss tuloy .
ReplyDelete