ANN/THE NATION – Surrounded by a collection of thousands of second-hand books started over two decades ago, Hernando Guanlao proudly sits in his two-storey wooden house.
What started as as 50-book display on the sidewalk now lines makeshift shelves and the hallways in stacks, having grown exponentially due to donors.
The 72-year-old says his mission is to give away used and donated books to others at no cost to promote education through literature.
His community library, dubbed the ‘Reading Club 2000’, showcases a wide variety of books in all genres that he hopes will inspire young minds at a time when reading comprehension among students in the country remain low.
Philippine students are facing learning setbacks with math, science and reading scores among the lowest in the world, according to the Programme for International Student Assessment.
A student assessment conducted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also ranked the Philippines 77th out of 81 participating countries globally.
Guanlao, nicknamed ‘Mang Nanie’ by people in his community, believes many children don’t have access to books because of the costs involved, and says many of those living in poverty consider education a luxury.
Local book lover, Ron Castro, was on his way home from work when he stopped at the Reading Club 2000 to browse autobiographies and self-help books. He said he has been there three times after finding out about it through social media.
“This is a big help to the community and the public,” said Castro, borrowing three new books.
Guanlao vows that as long as people come to him to borrow books and others continue to donate, he will continue for as long as he can.
