ILOILO – Public elementary and high schools are being encouraged to avail themselves of the extension service of the Provincial Library and Archives.
“We lend books to schools as part of our outreach program,” said Sharon Madrones-Gigante, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Library and Archives located at Casa Real de Iloilo (old provincial capitol) on Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City.
The book lending stretches for three months in each school.
The Provincial Library and Archives’ Library Extension Service Program begins in June each year timed with the resumption of classes. It prioritizes public elementary and high schools with no libraries.
Last year, 24 schools were served, according to Madrones-Gigante.
The Provincial Library and Archives also donates books to school libraries, she revealed.
Students are welcome to visit the Provincial Library and Archives from Monday to Saturday, said Madrones-Gigante.
The provincial library has school textbooks, reference materials, encyclopedias, children’s books and books by foreign authors.
The area also has free wi-fi, said Madrones-Gigante.
Of this province’s 42 municipalities and one component city, 30 have no public libraries. Only 13 local government units (LGUs) maintain public libraries – Alimodian, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Cabatuan, Calinog, Concepcion, Dingle, Leganes, Leon, Miag-ao, Oton, Pototan, and San Joaquin.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Demy Sonza of the 2nd District previously observed, “Wala kadtoan ang mga estudyante kon mag-research, especially on local history.”
According to Gigante, the public libraries in the 13 LGUs were located in municipal halls and have librarians or officers-in-charge.
Sonza said he planned to introduce a resolution encouraging local governments to open libraries and calling on the provincial government to provide them with technical and financial assistance.
Sonza is the chairperson of the Provincial Board’s committee on culture, arts, history, and tourism./PN
