BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – Encouraging learners to read is oftentimes challenging as they are more engaged with gadgets.
To motivate learners to read, which is an opportunity to explore, discover, and grow, a public school in Baguio City partnered with a non-government organization to create a library that has a more welcoming and stimulating environment.
Under the Adopt A School Program, the Hooked on Books (HOB) library was recently launched at the Manuel Quezon Elementary School. The library is adorned with colorful art, offers comfortable seats, and encourages relaxation and focus among learners.
The Linking Individuals to Nurture Kids Success (LINKS) created the HOB Library that aims to encourage love for reading among learners until they become independent readers with critical thinking skills.
Florence Saydoken said this library is not only a place for learners to read but also a haven for knowledge.
“It’s not a typical library. Wala siyang mga tables and chairs wherein they can enjoy reading na pwedeng nakahiga o kahit anong posisyon,” Saydoken shared.
She said that this space is one of a kind, serving as a foundation for the children’s imagination to flourish through books and visual learning.
Ningning Doble, LINKS’ president and co-founder, said that the HOB library is a very worthwhile project.
“Hindi din po kami makapaniwala na nakagawa po kami ng ganito pero nung unang gawa namin sa Tuba, Benguet, nakita namin na nagbago ‘yung perspective ng mga bata sa pagbabasa in public schools,” Doble said.
“They believe that reading is a task, natatakot sila sa reading pero the moment we opened the HOB Library for them, literally blood, sweat and tears that we poured into each one, makikita mo talaga ‘yung pag-open ng eyes ng mga bata as soon as they enter the HOB Library and then wala na silang pakialam kasi they will seat on the floor and read all the books,” she added.
Eli Ituriaga, a volunteer artist who created the mural inside the HOB library, shared that his works were incorporated with cultural stories. Through the murals, they aim to impart the cultural stories to the learners as well as how important reading is.
“Siyempre kung papaano at gaano kaganda ‘yung mga tanawin sa atin dito, inincorporate natin sa loob ng HOB pero siyempre, nagsisimula ito para sa mga storya na kung saan tungkol doon sa pagbabasa ng libro na mula sa mga bata tapos paikot na ito doon sa kanyang paligid na gagapang ‘yung buong storya po nung nilalaman nung inspirasyon ng design,” Ituriaga explained.
More HOB libraries are expected to be established in public schools in the city this year. (JDP/DEG/Clariza Osiang-PIA CAR- BSU Intern)
