What's a good read?
Instilling the love for reading must start at a young age. Self-concept and value of reading, time spent talking about books, and the availability of books are all factors in motivating children to read. Results from the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) released in December of 2019 showed the Philippines scored the lowest in reading comprehension among 79 countries. We can help improve this. Let’s support local causes who are doing their best in promoting reading and the love for books.
Organizations that spread the joy of reading and learning deserves our attention. A micro library in the Province of Laguna is doing its part in promoting the appreciation for books. We chatted with Celine Anne Delos Reyes of AKLAYA to ask her about this inspiring project wheeling around Paete.
Can you please tell us something about yourself? What’s your background?
My name is Celine Anne C. Delos Reyes, from Paete, Laguna. I’ve been teaching at Paete Science and Business College, Inc. since 2011 and it’s my second year as the SHS Coordinator in the same school. I consider myself as a bibliophile and a hoarder, as I love to collect and buy books, from Children’s to novels and with different genres. I love reading, and I consider it as the greatest past time. I believe that reading allows us to escape and go to different realities, and it gives us a chance to be in other worlds, countries whenever we feel confined in a single place.
How did you get involved in this project?
Since I love books so much, I always search for talks, seminars that talk about books and literature. During the Dia Del Libro (Book Day) in Ayala last 2015, we stumbled upon this beautiful architecture called The Book Stop Project that allows readers to donate and swap books available in the shelves. I was so happy and inspired that a library could exist very openly, where readers can freely do whatever they want with the books. Then, I started to follow wherever The Book Stop Project transferred locations such as in Intramuros and Alabang. I always thought that it would be such a great thing to have the same project in our town, Paete.
In April 2017, I started a project called Kwentuhan Series where I and the other volunteers conduct storytelling sessions to children to teach them the love for books and of reading. I personally own the books that we use in the Kwentuhan. Every time, I bring books that the children can read and borrow so that they can also read at home. The children developed a very positive attitude towards books that before seemed to feel as a burden for them since books are always associated with school works. They showed enthusiasm in reading and borrowing books, which is an immediate result of our first advocacy project, Kwentuhan.
In November 2017, we were able to launch AKLAYA: Aklatang Malaya with the help of sponsors and donors. Two book shelves were donated by Peace Riders Club (Rizal and Pasig Chapters) and Books for a Cause, who provided the books for AKLAYA (after purchasing a charter sign of the Little Free Library). This made it easier for the children to borrow books that they want to read, as it made the reading materials more accessible for them.
Please tell us more about AKLAYA. What is it about?
AKLAYA: Aklatang Malaya is a free library that lets our townspeople to read, borrow, swap, and donate books. This project aims to enable everyone to experience the joy of active reading.
It requires minimal supervision only. The goal is to develop or boost the Paeteños’ appreciation of books and love of reading, which will gradually aid the improvement of literacy.
How and when did AKLAYA start?
It started last November 2017, through the help of generous donors and sponsors. The Peace Riders Club donated the two shelves; books were provided by Sir Ramil Sumangil of Books for a Cause, from whom we purchased the charter signs of The Little Free Library (along with the books), monetary donations were given by generous sponsors. All efforts brought AKLAYA to life and made books/reading materials more accessible and available to children.
What was the inspiration behind AKLAYA?
Micro libraries such as The Book Stop Project and The Little Free Library were the primary inspirations of AKLAYA. However, the main reason for putting up a library is because the old library in Paete, its flooring weakened and walls prone to termites, was already demolished. Though a book collection is available at the 3rd floor of our municipal hall, AKLAYA was launched to make books easily accessible and available to our townspeople, especially to the children.
Who are the people behind this project? Who runs the day-to-day activities of AKLAYA?
Aside from the generous donors and sponsors who brought the AKLAYA shelves to Paete, I personally run the day-to-day activities of AKLAYA. However, AKLAYA requires minimal supervision only as it operates by the honesty and responsibility of the readers. For AKLAYA, we put our trust to the readers that they will return and take care of the books so that more people will enjoy and use the books available.
Basically, AKLAYA is a mobile micro library. It has wheels, so it can be brought to different venues. During the first year of AKLAYA, there are only two shelves. One is located in a school, and the other is in a barangay or daycare center. Every two months, the AKLAYA shelves are transferred to another barangay/daycare or another school so it will be exposed to more people, and so that more people will adapt a reading habit through this project.
Why choose “reading” over other causes?
Because personally I know the pleasures one can get from reading. People nowadays are not really fond of the printed, physical book, as it is often associated with school task or burden. Thus, I want more people to understand that reading books is an enjoyable activity. There are many learnings and knowledge to gain from it, and it gives them more advantage compared to those who do not read. It can also save them from ignorance and accidents that could happen if they do not read or comprehend a certain important text.
Was there a specific book that inspired you and sparked your love for reading?
When I was in Grade 2 in a public school, there was a merchant who offered our class to buy the book, Mga Alamat, Kwento, at Pabula. I bought a copy from the little allowance that I had that time. I read it over again, and it became my instant favorite! The story that I liked the most was The Boy Who Cried Wolf.
What types of books do you have available at AKLAYA?
Children’s books, coloring books, fiction and novels for older readers, general references
As you move from one venue to another, what types of books do you usually see people reading?
Since the AKLAYA shelves are normally placed in barangay daycare and elementary schools (or one here in PSBC – from pre-elem to college students), they prefer children’s books, activity books, novels, Tagalog pocket books, and wattpad.
If you had a choice, what books would you like to bring to your venues? What books would you want Filipinos to read?
Children’s Books from different publishers such as Adarna, Hiyas/OMF Literature, Anvil, and others. I would like people to read Pinoy comics, magazines, and encyclopedias as well.
Do you accept book donations? What types? How do people go about donating?
Yes! Any books that are still in good condition, with readable texts can be donated to AKLAYA. Book donations can be sent through shipping, or donors can personally drop by here in Paete and bring the books to AKLAYA personally. They may also be interested to read stories to kids for the Kwentuhan and personally arrange the donated books in AKLAYA.
Author, book, or genre you prefer (as donations)? Any books on AKLAYA’s wishlist?
Any children’s books for early readers or chapter books for intermediate readers, pocket books/easy to read novels for older readers, as a start. Books with colorful pages and pictures.
Any advice to non/new readers or those wanting to start a project like AKLAYA?
Give in to reading! It’s super fun!
You always start a project that you really like or a project that you’re really interested in, especially if it is a long term effort because it will require not just a one time commitment from you. It will take your time and effort until it becomes sustainable and when more people become more involved with it. If you want to see better results, make sure to ask for help from the local government. Inform your mayor or barangay captain about the project and ask for their support, especially in taking care of the books and the shelves. Even if you cannot supervise the AKLAYA all the time, all days of the week, it is great to have the support of the barangay officials and school personnels as they help you with the management of the micro library. It’s easier if you team up with them, or with other volunteers in maintaining the project. Also tap your SK, involve the young generation so that your project will go a long way.
Tell us where we can find AKLAYA, and what people can do to support your project.
I upload pictures and updates of AKLAYA in the Kwentuhan Series page (www.facebook.com/KwentuhanSeries) and in Instagram @kwentuhanseries. You may visit, like, or follow our page to be updated about the location and other projects made for AKLAYA.
Any future plans for AKLAYA?
With the support of our Sangguniang Kabataan, all nine barangays in our town (Paete, Laguna) will have a reading corner where their very own AKLAYA shelf will be placed. We are hoping to achieve this plan within this year. After completing the plan for our town, we also wish to bring this project in the baybay area (4th district of Laguna) and then to the other districts as well, with the help of their LGUs and SK.