Consuming Knowledge Over Generations: The Journey of Cebu City Public Library
Rewritten Article:
Over a century ago, on the vibrant streets of Parian, Cebu, a humble library sprang to life on April 13, 1919. This wasn't just any library; it was the Cebu branch of the Philippine Library—a seedling that would someday grow into one of the country's oldest public libraries.
This pioneering library had a tumultuous journey. In 1938, it found a more permanent home within the Rizal Memorial Library and Museum. But during World War II, the Japanese forces took over the building, plundering the shelves of precious books that were left abandoned and exposed to looting or ruin. Incredibly, the library miraculously survived the bombings, requiring minimal repairs.
With the passage of time, the library fell into disrepair. In its stead, the USIS Library, erected by the U.S. government in 1946, became a beacon of knowledge for avid Cebuano readers. However, as the USIS's stay seemed temporary, civic-minded individuals urged for the revival of a true public library.
Enter Mrs. Flavia S. Muana—a retired USIS librarian motivated by her American colleague, Miss Mary Ireton, to rekindle the spirit of learning in the Cebu City Library. In partnership with City Mayor Vicente del Rosario, they persisted to bring back the library to life. The reborn library, initially stationed on the fourth floor of City Hall, was transformed from a storage room into a sanctuary of knowledge.
Fast-forward to 1960, when the city funded renovations to the Rizal Memorial Building. The library returned to its original home, reclaiming space as neighboring offices moved out. Now, it occupies the ground floor, boasting a collection of over 12,000 books across diverse genres: children's literature, Cebu journalism, fiction, Filipiniana, and reference materials.
Beyond providing a vast repository of literature, the Cebu City Public Library offers free Wi-Fi, a tranquil study environment, and a Freedom Wall—a unique space for students and graduates to express gratitude for their academic journey.
As we commemorate World Book Day, National Literature Month, and the Cebu City Public Library's 106th anniversary, this venerable institution stands as a testament to the power of books, the resilience of communities, and the unwavering dedication of those who championed it.
[Reflections on the journey, though scarce, suggest that Mrs. Muana and Miss Ireton played integral roles in rejuvenating and modernizing the library post-WWII, using their skills and passion to share the magic of books with the world.]
[1] Filipino-Cebuano Heritage (2021). Retrieved from https://filipino-cebuanoheritage.com/cebu_city_public_library/
[2] Cebu City Public Library (2021). Retrieved from https://www.ccpl.gov.ph/
ADVERTISING SECTION:Are you seeking inspiration for your next book club selection? Or perhaps digging for endless pages of historical research? Uncover the mysteries of the past, fuel your curiosity, or simply find solace in a good book at the Cebu City Public Library!
- Despite initial neglect, the Cebu City Public Library, founded in 1919, was reborn in 1946 under the USIS Library, a temporary measure, which sparked a demand for a true public library.
- Following the USIS Library's establishment, Mrs. Flavia S. Muana, a retired USIS librarian, and Miss Mary Ireton advocated for the revival of the library.
- Partnering with City Mayor Vicente del Rosario, they transformed a city hall storage room into a sanctuary of knowledge, reigniting the library's spirit in 1946.
- In 1960, the city funded renovations to the Rizal Memorial Building, allowing the library to return to its original home, where it continues to offer a collection of over 12,000 books and a tranquil study environment.
- Today, the Cebu City Public Library extends beyond literature, offering free Wi-Fi, a unique Freedom Wall, and serving as an enduring symbol of the power of books and the resilience of communities.
