Samar town library thrives in digital age

VILLAREAL, Samar, Oct. 28 (PNA) -- Despite conveniences offered by digital age where information can be easily accessed at one’s fingertips, a small library in this sleepy town continues to be a vital source of information.

The municipal library here was established in early 1989 by the local government. The mayor donated the initial batch of books. The library has been attracting about 30 to 40 readers daily such as students, government workers, and the general public.

With the absence of a building to house the library then, the facility had to share a space with the municipal information agency. After the construction of the new town hall, the library transferred to the old legislative building.

Located near the shore, the library suffered damages from typhoon Ruby in 2015. However, it managed to resume its normal operation.

Dea Manicane, the municipal librarian, said that they have about 2,000 books on shelves of various kinds, topics, and genres. The Philippine National Library and various groups donated these books.

"We also have a daily supply of newspapers that attract regular visitors at the library,” Manicane added.

Students from local schools are regular readers. "The library helps a lot in my study because it is accessible and I can research topics which are advanced from what we have in school," said senior high school student Hyddeh Varela.

Another student also said that the library was a big help because of its wide array of encyclopedias that are also available online.

The librarian regularly attends seminars conducted by the National Library of the Philippines to update its content and to know the latest trends in book and digital collections.

Villareal is a small coastal town in the western part of Samar province with a population of nearly 27,000. It is a two-hour drive from Catbalogan City in Samar and an hour-trip from Tacloban City, the regional capital. (PNA) LAP/SQM/Jonabel L. Salazar (OJT)
/EGR