#publicgood

Written by: Kyna De Castro

In this digital age where everything you need to know can be found with the help of technology, public street libraries are a rare setup especially in the Philippines. Although there are some that can be found in different parts of Manila, these are hardly noticed and only recognized by those who have keen interests for knowledge and books.

Naga City took a long journey to become a central business hub in Camarines Sur. While this shows progress, it is no surprise that this city also has a room in improving its cultural and art scene through the emergence of public street libraries which molds the city’s appreciation not just for literature but also to push the advocacy in giving significance to free access to knowledge and education.  

Just last month, the Public Good Library opened its first branch at Princeton Street, Concepcion Pequena, Naga City. It is owned and managed by Mr. Ernest Asence. Two more branches located in Jacob and Queborac Street, Naga City were also opened later following the opening of the first branch.  A wide array of book collections in different genres came from donors all over our country and was given to Public Good Library while at the same time found a new home.

The Public Good Library was first established in 2017. However, it was not accessible during that time and they need to add up the volume of available books in order to encourage people to visit. When they opened an online contact through a Facebook page, more book donations from his students, siblings, relatives and fellow colleagues from City Hall came and made it possible to finally launch it. This year, it finally opened its doors to bookworms seeking a place of refuge where they can freely read and get lost in their own world.

WHY OPEN A PUBLIC STREET LIBRARY?

“I didn’t really thought of it. It just happened. We do not spend much time anymore thinking about the things happening to us,” said Mr. Asence when we asked him why he decided to open a public street library. “I have been asked that same question many times since the opening of the first branch by visitors and media. I have only one answer. It is the same answer for everyone.” He added.

“My original plan is to sell books. But I also realized that the market for books are quite few these days and considering the situation that we also have Book Sale. The presence of technology and internet also made the information easier to access,” he also shared. Moreover, he stressed that everything started with his personal book collections he hoarded since college. He also got the idea of opening a library when he visited a 2-storey house thrift shop with used items and mostly books in Los Banos.

PRINCETON STREET BRANCH

The branch at Princeton Street is the first Public Good Library that was opened to public. It is composed of Mr. Asence’s personal book collections and also some of the donations he was able to acquire recently. This space is actually his house turned into a working space and library. Also having the keen interest for plants and herbs, this place was turned into a fusion of his two passions: books and plants.  

JACOB STREET BRANCH

This branch is an apartment owned by one of Mr. Asence’s students who made the space open as a library. It is the second branch to open. Most of the books available here are young adult and best-selling novels which are also donated by his students. The ambiance here is very homey. It is a good place to read your favorites.

QUEBORAC STREET BRANCH (WITTY CAULDRON CAFÉ)

The Witty Cauldron Café is a simple Harry Potter-themed café which brings every Potterhead’s dream come true. It brings you closer enough to the magical world and becomes your safe haven to fangirl/fanboy without being judged by muggles. Here, you will feel that you are home.

The Public Good Library had allotted space for some of the book donations especially the book collections of music instructor and composer Digs Villabroza. It is also a conducive place for reading while eating and enjoying the Hogwarts ambiance. You can definitely unleash your inner Hermoine Granger now.

Being located at Queborac, it is strategic location and very accessible especially to students because it is near universities like Ateneo de Naga University and University of Sta. Isabel.

WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?

The Public Good Library is a haven for all bookworms and literature enthusiasts where they can freely read any book available. It lives up to its name “Public Good” because most books are donations and the collections available are beneficial to students as well for researchers. Each branch has student volunteers who manages the libraries to ensure that the books are well taken care of. It is free space for reading/studying and you will never feel guilty for being there for so long because it is serving its purpose. 

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