The National Book Development Board is encouraging everyone to open their own version.
Do you know that there is only one book written and published by a Filipino for every 24 imported and commercially-available in the Philippines?
The National Book Development Board (NBDB) hopes to improve on this number through different initiatives. One in particular are Book Nooks, which are spaces designed for children and the young-at-heart to develop a love for the written word.
Formally opened in 52 sites in the country in the past six months, Book Nooks function as a library and reading center as well as an art and storytelling space.
They carry books by Filipinos, primarily, with the current collection of approximately 1,500 titles.
“Our hope is that Book Nooks would help instill a love for reading in Filipino children, and ultimately inspire them to write their own stories,” shares Charisse Aquino-Tugade, executive director of the NBDB.
Through the Book Nook, these local titles are being made readily available to Filipino readers, especially to those who have less access to conventional means like books stores.
Ultimately, the goal is to inspire these communities of the Book Nook sites to share their own local stories, and write their own books in their regional language.
With the theme “Aklat Para sa Lahat,” this project brings books to the Filipino people in terms of access and representation. According to NBDB, this is a step to giving primacy to our own stories—from the age-old epics, to the new fiction coming out of the young creatives.
Book Nooks have been setup in partnership with Local Government Units, Filipino publishers and publishing houses, community partners and volunteers, cultural workers, and artists.
NBDB is looking at opening more Book Nooks next year, and encourages communities who wish to setup a site in their own locality to get in touch with the National Book Development Board.
For more information, visit booksphilippines.gov.ph
