Virtual 87th National Book Week Celebration

ABOUT THE EVENT

In 1934, in response to the petition of the Philippine Library Association at the time, Governor General Frank Murphy issued a proclamation designating as National Book Week the period extending from June 18 to 24 of every year. This was aimed at arousing the national interest in reading good books and “designed to sell the public library to the community by focusing the attention of the people on its resources and the extent and nature of its services.” To ensure greater participation of the public, various libraries and educational institutions, the program of celebration were designed to include the essay and poster contests, book exhibitions, and visits to libraries and printing establishments. In the past, important local newspapers and magazines published contributed articles and messages about National Book Week, and two programs were broadcast over radio.

Prominent men and officials of the Philippine government, such as Governor General Frank Murphy, President Manuel L. Quezon of the Philippine Senate, the most Reverend Michael O’Doherty, Archbishop of Manila, and Dr. Rafael Palma, President of the University of the Philippines, contributed congratulatory messages for the souvenir program. Judging from the response of the public and from the cooperation given by the leading universities, school libraries, bookstores, printing establishments, and different educational institutions, the idea of a book week was enthusiastically welcomed throughout the country resulting in the recognition of the public library service.

In 1936, Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon moved the dates of the annual celebration to November 24-30. In 1937, the Philippine Library Association published and distributed a pamphlet entitled “Book Festival Handbook,” a collection of materials and suggested ideas for celebrating Book Week; its purpose was to encourage schools, colleges, universities, and other institutions to participate. It was compiled by Mr. Perfecto S. Sison, who was then the Chairman of the Book Week Committee.

In 1939, the Catholic Church began taking an active part in the observance of the Book Week. The Archbishop of Manila designated the Sunday Book Week for the observance for all Catholic Churches and enjoined priests to deliver sermons on the value of reading good books. The Bishops likewise enjoined parishes in their respective dioceses to observe the day. Some Protestant churches joined the celebration by holding special programs and exhibits.

Every year, the National  Book Week has been observed all over the country with a similar program of activities.

EVENT CONTENT

Libraries keep on evolving to meet a rapidly changing new normal environment for learning. Innovative services, products have been introduced and old processes calibrated to respond to the challenges faced by our libraries and librarians.
As libraries adapt, it is vital that they continually communicate their value to all users and stakeholders and their vital role to play in the national development of our society.
The resources, facilities and services of our libraries create opportunities for collaboration in the learning process, support literacy and education, and help shape the new ideas and perspectives that are central to a creative and innovative society.
Libraries design outreach programs to link with the people in their respective or chosen community and help address the information literacy gap or provide a venue for upskilling their knowledge on ICT.
This year’s NBW celebration focuses on OUTcomes, OUTreach and OUTstanding practices and services of libraries and librarians in continuously spearheading, propagating, and communicating the love and appreciation of books and reading in this rapidly changing environment.

• OUTcomes. – Libraries endeavor to provide the best services and programs to make lasting outcomes in the lives of their users. Outcomes, as defined, “are benefits to people: specifically, achievements or changes in skill, knowledge, attitude, behavior, condition, or life status for program participants.” Programs and projects designed by libraries have outcome goals. Outcomes are clear manifestations of the results of library programs in terms of human benefits, whether those are called “impacts,” “results,” or “outcomes.”

• OUTreach. – COVID-19 has forced librarians to be creative in reaching out to our public. Social and physical distancing as norms discouraged face-to-face engagements with our clients but librarians have quickly shifted to promote remote services trying their best to have uninterrupted library services. Reaching out to patrons and communicating the essential services of the libraries, connecting with colleagues and the community were the order of the day. It is either bringing the library to homes and communities and using available tools to communicate and engage the community.

• OUTstanding. – Libraries have stepped up their resources and services in this time of crisis. Despite limitations in resources, mobility of librarians, fear of contacting the virus, we hear of exemplary stories of libraries and librarians persistently performing their tasks amidst risks, fears and anxieties. It is time to listen to creative ideas, to things that worked well during the pandemic, to innovative new ways of providing services, and to community projects that reach beyond physical books and building.
Thus, in the 2021 Celebration of the 87th National Book Week, our libraries envision of working beyond boundaries with all our stakeholders to encourage and develop more interest for the love of reading, excitement for books, fun and enjoyable way to spend quality free time with our family members while unknowingly achieving a lifelong learning skills.