The Valenzuela City Library reported a triumphant moment for community involvement as it welcomed 440,832 visitors within its first year of operations. The library opened its doors on February 24, 2023, and numerous people visited until December.

Community Response on Social Media

The news about the impressive turnout appeared on numerous social media pages with the endorsement of its visitors in a Facebook post dated January 7 by that library. Filipinos enthusiastically welcomed the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), thanking and hoping to see such initiatives in their regions.


A netizen stressed the crucial importance of libraries as treasured “third places” that require no financial investment. They urged local government units to take a proactive stance, advocating for funded library development with programs to activate or improve access.

Local government units were encouraged to do so as well.

Many users complained about the lack of these amenities in their locations, wanting more public libraries to address the need for costly study spaces. Such calls were made for the LGUs, especially in areas such as Iloilo and Manila, to start thinking about setting up similar libraries to accommodate their people’s educational and recreational needs.

Valenzuela City Library, Facilities and Features


The Valenzuela City Library at the ValACE in Barangay Malinta exemplifies the creation of modern libraries. Apart from the conventional bookshelves, the facility has large student reading rooms, specialized areas for PWD, and separate children’s areas. In addition, the library has modern computer facilities that offer research and academic support.

Encouraging Government Action

Driven by the example of how Valenzuela City Library operates, one can see a growing demand for libraries that are effective and easy to access. Social media communities have sounded the urgent need for libraries as essential spaces in community buildings and urged local government units to consider funding similar programs that attest to their benefits.

To emphasize how critical it is to have available places for learning and community activities, the mass success of Valenzuela City Library’s inaugural year points out that. Local government units are advised to consider the call for more libraries. They should view their development as valuable sources of education and entertainment, given the alignment with requests for more libraries on social media.