Good books have the power to inform and enlighten, opening one's mind to new ideas and perspectives and immersing them in a whole new world of experiences. What's even better is that you don't need to spend any money to enjoy this, as the Quezon City Public Libraries provide books for free—just make sure to return them on time.

One can borrow selected books from them. Fiction books, for example, can be borrowed for a week, while reference books are available only for three days.

"Provided that you are registered at QC E-service and has a QC ID," thus explained Mariza Chico, Officer-In-Charge of the Quezon City Library, told DAILY TRIBUNE on Monday.

Chico said the city has 32 public libraries around the six districts of the city that enthusiasts, students, and even researchers can rely on.

Books at their library, Chico said, are categorized as purchased books, those that are being procured by the local government unit (LGU), and donated books that come from either individuals or entities who are into the reading habit.

"Very supportive ang ating LGU. Mayroon yearly budget for book. Others (libraries) are struggling sa paghingi ng budget sa books," Chico pointed out.

In encouraging students, young and adults, into reading, the QC Public Library has been a constant winner and cited as the 'Outstanding Public Library' for the past years by the National Library of the Philippines and the Asia Foundation in the public library category.

"Actually we are already a Hall of Famer," Chico said.

She added that in 2022, they were able to establish two special libraries. One was put up at the Female Dormitory in Camp Karingal, where lady inmates can while away their time by reading. The other, with the help of Waltermart in Munoz, EDSA, provided a space to house a library for mall-goers.

"It was through a MoA (Memorandum of Agreement). Sort of their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)," Chico explained.

Their latest initiative was to have 'braille story books,' which were launched for the visually impaired.