SM Cares officially turns over more than 70,000 books collected through its Book Nook Donation Drive across 88 SM malls to 88 partner libraries—strengthening its commitment to promote lifelong learning nationwide. (L-R) SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President Ms. Hanna Carinna T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Mr. Hans T. Sy, National Library of the Philippines Director Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano, Book Nook Pioneer Ms. Shereen T. Sy, and SM Engineering Design and Development President Mr. Hans “Chico” T. Sy Jr.  
BUSINESS

SM Cares turns over 70,000 books to libraries nationwide

DT

SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, concluded its Book Nook Book Donation Drive with more than 70,000 pre-loved books collected across 88 SM malls nationwide as part of the company’s 40th-anniversary activities.

SM City Bacolod and its community delivers 5,600+ books to the Provincial Library of Negros Occidental —bringing stories closer to the community.

Launched from July 7 to Oct. 15, 2025, the drive brought in children’s books, educational materials, novels and reference titles from donors in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The books will be distributed to 88 public libraries and community reading centers, including 74 in Luzon, seven in the Visayas and seven in Mindanao. Organizers estimate the materials will benefit about 219,936 students, families and educators.

“When SM celebrated its 40th anniversary, the focus was not on grandeur, but on purpose: to transform this spirit of sharing into a full-fledged Book Nook Book Donation Drive,” said Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano, director of the National Library of the Philippines. “From that spark, the journey truly took root, born from a shared belief that stories are gifts meant to be passed on.”

A ceremonial turnover was held Nov. 27 at the National Library of the Philippines, where SM Cares formally handed over the donations to partner communities. The event also highlighted the Book Nook program’s effort to expand access to literacy through reading spaces located in SM malls.

“Through the Book Nook, we hope to nurture curiosity and creativity in every Filipino,” said Shereen T. Sy, pioneer of the Book Nook program under SM Cares. “This initiative shows us how collective action can create lasting impact — one book, one reader, one community at a time.”

The youth remain at the heart of the Book Nook Book Donation Drive—equipping future generations with knowledge and learning opportunities through the gift of books.
Book Nook honors librarians nationwide who champion the love of reading and transform libraries into vibrant centers of learning.

Several librarians were recognized for contributions to literacy initiatives. The Heart of the Library Award for Most Outstanding Librarian went to Michael “Aiko” Nagas of the City Library of San Fernando, La Union. The Literacy Partner Award was given to Rosena Roman of the City of Imus Public Library; Easter Wahayna-Pablo of the Baguio City Public Library; Mylene Villanueva of the Manila City Library; and Michael Pinto of the Cagayan Provincial Learning and Resource Center.

SM Cares said the effort is part of its ongoing programs supporting literacy and learning.

SM Supermalls operates 89 malls in the Philippines and eight in China.