ELYU Must Read at Libraries
By: Adonis S. Alegre - La Union COMMunity Press Corps | Layout By: Rusty Ar Marc Reyes, PIO | Date: July 12, 2024
The fascination of being able to succumb to yourself in a library can transcend your wonders and curious desires through different spectrums of the imaginative mind. Reading in a small room with a wide range of cultural, creative, and comprehensive knowledge resources can be considered one of the greatest joys in life – at least for me.
A library can be described in many different forms – a safe space for everyone, a portal to a different world, a home soil for bookworms, a sharp tool for diligent learners, a sweet temple for aspiring writers, an archive for preserving history, and so much more.
One of the first libraries I relied on during my research studies was the La Union Provincial Library. My classmates and I would always go there to use the library’s complete set of research books as references for our group thesis. Their readily available set of computers and laptops, along with their free high-speed internet, significantly reduced the time we were working. During personal time, I’d also borrow their literary books, such as F. Sionil Jose’s Ben Singkol and Pablo Neruda’s collection of love poems. I discovered so many books that I wanted to read.
The library is located on the 5th floor of the La Union Provincial Administrative and Commercial Building, Quezon Avenue, City of San Fernando, La Union, and opens from Mondays to Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The Provincial Library has also expanded and achieved more developments throughout the years. With its new e-library features which enable readers to access more of its educational books at their convenience; its print and digital media which effectively distribute factual and informative information; and its strong partnerships with local news outlets, which update the community in a timely manner—I am confident that this library is a powerhouse. It is capable of preserving historical data and disseminating modern discoveries. Through this, it connects generations of readers. Truly, the La Union Provincial Library exemplifies the core virtue of Bayanihan in books.
The Alfredo F. Tadiar Library is another library that piques my interest. Its “independent clause” is known for presenting Ilocano literature in the province. It is considered a cultural center because aside from research and law books, rare and modern literary collections, it also contains arts and crafts made by local artists. Established in 2017, the library is dedicated to honoring the life and works of Alfredo F. Tadiar.
Located at Ortega Highway, Tanqui, San Fernando, La Union, the Alfredo F. Tadiar Library is free and open from Wednesdays to Fridays, 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 AM to 5 PM. It is an escape for anyone who wants to read books, do art, and appreciate locally made pieces of work. It is also a gateway catalog for the lives and works of the people in the Northern Philippines. Inside the library is the only bookshop café in La Union, which is called Puón. They sell rare and contemporary books, unique local crafts, and their signature coffee blends from which the library also relies for revenue. Puón is the “dependent clause” that completes the library itself. The shop and the library cannot be separated; they are twins in retrospect. A big plus is its dedication to preserving Ilocano culture
What I truly appreciate about these libraries is their ability to host various community events, including collaborations with literary publishers, magazines, and research institutions; workshops, art galleries, book fairs, and exhibitions led by experts in their respective fields; book launches by emerging and established writers and artists, which the community can participate in and benefit from; and a strong commitment to humanitarian causes.
La Union libraries are evolving, yet still continuing to make a difference. It is now your turn to visit libraries in the province and make your own definition of what makes them so special.
It is a must for Ilocanos to solidify the call of safeguarding the libraries in our community and cultivating a strong passion for reading is one of the first steps in making this possible. La Union libraries have some unforeseen treasures waiting for us to discover them. As we exist in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we must remember that reading is a pause, a meditation, and a good antidote for the overwhelmed heart, ELYU Must Read at Libraries.
Using the #ELYUMustReadAtLibraries, what is the library you always visit and would want to recommend to others?
