Libraries are more than simply repositories of knowledge: they should be safe havens where children can learn, play and have fun.
This was the main goal of the municipal government of Los Baños, Laguna as it opened the town’s second “Modern Bahay Kubo Library” last March 24.
The library, located in Barangay Batong Malake, was inspired by the traditional “bahay kubo,” but with a modern twist, according to Mayor Anthony “Ton” Genuino.
The project was first started in Barangay Bagong Silang, before Genuino first took office as municipal mayor.
“Ang ‘Modern Public Kubo Library’ ay magsisilbing tahanan ng kaalaman at lugar ng inspirasyon sa pagkatuto hindi lamang sa mga mag-aaral, kundi maging sa mga guro, mananaliksik, at lahat ng nais magbasa at matuto,” the municipal government of Los Baños stated in a social media post.
Aside from the usual books and reference materials, the new library also has computers, audio-visual materials, and even Kindle readers where students can access e-books.
"Malaking tulong po ang pasilidad na ito, lalo na po sa ating mga kabataan natin na hindi naman po nakaka-experience ng ganitong klaseng infrastructure, lalo na’t hindi naman po lahat ng mga paaralan dito ay may ganito kalawak na pasilidad at mga kagamitan when it comes to learning,” Department of Education (DepEd) Los Baños Sub-Office Supervisor Soledad Villanueva told local media.
Libraries in every barangay
Genuino bared plans for the establishment of “Modern Bahay Kubo” libraries in each of Los Baños’ 12 other barangays.
“Our constituents could expect public libraries in every barangay to promote literacy. Ang Los Baños po ang tanging bayan sa buong lalawigan ng Laguna na kung saan magkakaroon po ng public library sa bawat barangay,” the municipal mayor pointed out.
Genuino also urged officials of DepEd, as well as officials of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in the barangays, to hold regular activities that will promote a love of learning for Los Baños’ residents, particularly the youth.
For her own part, DepEd Los Baños Sub-Office Supervisor Villanueva said her office has already started “brainstorming” ideas to encourage students to visit the new library to read, learn and have fun.
“Actually po, gustung-gusto na po talaga naming magamit itong bagong ‘Modern Bahay Kubo Library.’ In fact, ang sabi ko nga po, we should start with kindergarten students, nagpa-plano na po kami kung paano madadala dito ang mga bata,” she explained.
(Report and photo by Catherine Go)
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #ModernBahayKuboLibrary #DepEd #