CEBU CITY – Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Lost Books Cebu managing owner, Donald Villamero discussed lengthily on how the Cebu City Government and Lost Books Cebu can collaborate to come up with a project making books and other literacy resources more available and accessible to communities, especially in remote barangays of Cebu City.
Villamero, a staunch advocate for love of books and reading, visited City Hall on February 3 for a courtesy call to mayor Archival to pitch for his passion of expanding access to books and supporting local writers in the City. Villamero also owns the Lost Books Cebu Café at GF, CAO Mercado Bldg, Osmeña Blvd, Capitol Site, Cebu City.
“We welcome Donald Villamero for a meaningful discussion on how we can further support local writers and make books more accessible to our communities. It is encouraging to see initiatives that uplift Cebuano voices and bring local stories closer to readers,” mayor Archival said.
The discussion centered of initiatives that aim to bring books closer to communities, particularly in areas with limited access to reading materials. They also talked about programs of the National Book Development Board, including Book Nook: Aklat Para sa Lahat, and possible areas of collaboration between the city government and private partners to support and expand similar efforts.
These programs are seen as vital in promoting literacy, nurturing a love for reading, and uplifting Cebuano stories and voices. Archival said that he is ready to support, in a simple but meaningful way, such as the use of available personal vehicles to start with a mobile library, including logistical assistance to help pilot projects like mobile libraries and community book hubs.
“With collaboration, more and more children and families are given opportunities to learn and be inspired to learn,” Archival stated.
Villamero said he is beyond grateful for the opportunity to exchange ideas with mayor Archival on how they can cultivate the love of reading in the community. “We look forward to collaborating with your office on your plans to set up more libraries and book nooks, and possibly a mobile library, which is so exciting,” he said, in his Facebook post.
Lost Books Cebu is known for curating and redistributing pre-loved and rare books, supporting local authors, and making books more affordable and accessible. Selected titles from Lost Books Cebu are also available online, allowing readers to browse and purchase books even beyond physical pop-ups and community events.
Archival and Villamero also discussed initial steps including partnerships with groups like Lost Books Cebu and exploring innovative approaches such as mobile libraries to reach more residents, especially children and families.
Archival also bared that as part of the City’s
goal to make learning more accessible, he wants the City Council to revisit the
policy direction on having a public library in every barangay and identifying
practical steps to help move this forward. (Photos: Cebu City PIO)
No comments:
Post a Comment