If you are an old soul who prefers the traditional bound paper book over a Kindle reader, then you’re in for a treat from the National Library of the Philippines on T. M. Kalaw Street in Manila.
NLP membership cards are no longer mandatory for those who want to use the library’s resources. If you want to borrow books and use the facilities, you just need to present a valid ID card and you’re good to go!
Those who still want to get a library card (though we see no point having one) need to pay a PHP100 fee.
The NLP has sections for Filipiniana section, multimedia, children’s literature and reference.
Unfortunately, books can only be borrowed within the building (hence no point in paying for the membership).
Usual library rules still apply, meaning food and drinks are not allowed in the reading room. And of course, those inside the reading rooms are expected to be super quiet.
This sounds all nice, NLB, but what would make it even better is if you provide cheap photocopying services and allow visitors to charge laptops to make researching a breeze.
