A Library Is a Blessing!

 

A Library Is a Blessing

In a fast-moving world filled with noise, screens, and endless distractions, a library stands quietly as a gift—steady, welcoming, and full of hope. A library is more than shelves and books; it is a blessing that touches lives in ways we often overlook.

A library blesses the curious child who opens a book and discovers that the world is bigger than their classroom. It blesses the student searching for answers, the teacher shaping minds, and the reader finding comfort in words that understand them. For many, a library becomes a safe place—a space where questions are allowed, silence is respected, and growth happens naturally.

Every book on the shelf carries generosity. Someone wrote it, preserved it, cataloged it, and made it available so that others may learn. In this way, a library reflects community effort, shared responsibility, and quiet service. It reminds us that knowledge is not meant to be hoarded, but shared freely.

A beautiful library—one that is cared for, respected, and loved—is a sign of a community that values learning and dignity. It tells children that their dreams matter, that education is worth protecting, and that wisdom is something to be nurtured over time.

In moments of difficulty, libraries offer more than information—they offer comfort. A single paragraph can bring clarity. A familiar corner can bring peace. A borrowed book can bring courage to someone who needs it most.

To have a library is to be blessed with opportunity, guidance, and hope. And to care for a library is to honor that blessing—not just for ourselves, but for the generations who will walk its aisles next.

Indeed, a library is a blessing—quiet, constant, and deeply human. 📚✨

Quick & Easy Shelving Hacks for Librarians

 

Quick & Easy Shelving Hacks for Librarians

 

In libraries, shelving is more than simply placing books back on the shelves—it is a systematic process that ensures every item can be found easily and preserved properly. Librarians follow specific steps:

Check the call number.

Every book has a unique call number (like its address). Librarians read the number from top to bottom to determine exactly where it belongs.

Arrange materials in exact order.

Books are placed numerically first, then alphabetically, following classification systems such as Dewey Decimal or Library of Congress. Even a small mistake can cause a book to be misplaced.

Read the shelves.

Before placing a book, librarians scan the shelf to make sure the spot is correct and that the surrounding books are in order.

Handle the book properly.

Librarians hold books by the spine, never pulling them from the top, to avoid damage.

Shelve the book upright and neatly.

Books must stand straight with enough space to avoid warping. If the shelf is full, librarians shift books to make proper space rather than forcing them in.

Do a final check.

After shelving, librarians double-check the sequence to make sure the book is exactly where it should be.

Shelving might look simple, but librarians treat it as a careful process—one that protects the collection, maintains order, and ensures patrons can find what they need quickly and accurately.

“Why the NU Pep Squad Captivates the Nation: The Heart, Passion, and Art Behind Every Performance” “More Than Win!

 Beyond flips, stunts, and routines, they aim to entertain, inspire, and connect with their audience, treating each performance as a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and Filipino athletic excellence. Grounded, humble, and devoted, they remind us that true champions are not defined by crowns but by the purpose, joy, and inspiration they bring to every performance.

The NU Pep Squad has built a legacy of excellence in the cheerdance arena, and their performances have become benchmarks for creativity, discipline, and team culture. 

Watching them is like watching a carefully woven story—full of precision, passion, and purpose. Here’s a closer look at why they continue to dominate.

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1. Their costumes and themes are a masterclass in creativity and identity.

NU doesn’t just pick a theme—they live it.
Their costumes are never generic or predictable. Instead, they are uniquely crafted to reflect the cultural, artistic, or conceptual story they want to tell each year.

Whether it’s a Filipino folklore-inspired routine or a vibrant, pop-culture-driven spectacle, their presentation is always:

• Visually striking

• Cohesive and well-thought-out

• Deeply connected to their choreography and music

This level of detail turns their routines into full theatrical experiences, not just athletic exhibitions. Their costumes enhance the movements, highlight their stunts, and elevate the storytelling—setting them apart from teams that treat attire as secondary.

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2. Their coaches are Filipino experts who deeply understand the local cheer culture.

NU’s coaching team is proudly Filipino, and that matters.
They are part of the community, trained within the same cultural context, and aware of the strengths, limitations, and learning styles of Filipino athletes.

This gives them a distinct advantage:

• They build homegrown talent.

• They develop cheerleaders from the ground up—starting as young novices and turning into world-level athletes.

• They carry values rooted in Filipino discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

Instead of borrowing heavily from foreign choreographers, NU strengthens Filipino cheerleading identity by proving that local coaches can produce world-class performances.

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3. Strong management support shaped by Henry Sy’s vision.

Behind the routines is a system built on long-term investment.
NU management—guided by the late Henry Sy Sr.’s commitment to sports excellence—provides:

• Quality training facilities

• Professional-level coaching

• Stable scholarships and athlete support

• Values-based formation rooted in humility, respect, and faith

This combination shapes athletes who aren’t only skilled but grounded. Teams with strong values tend to be more composed under pressure, united in difficult seasons, and motivated to give their best—not for fame, but for pride and gratitude.

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4. Their training environment balances discipline with enjoyment.

NU trains hard, but they also train smart.
They have created a culture where athletes feel valued, supported, and understood. The school allows flexibility in schedules, academic considerations, and emotional support.

This encourages:

• High morale among cheerleaders

• Lower burnout rates

• Better focus during training

• Trust between coaches and athletes

Because the environment is healthy, athletes stay longer, grow deeper in skill, and develop strong camaraderie—all of which reflect in the quality of their performances.

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5. They champion fairness, equality, and the true spirit of cheerdance.

One thing that makes NU refreshing is their lack of obsession with branding or personal agendas.
Their routines focus on the unity of the team, not individual spotlight-grabbing. They treat cheerdance as:

• Entertainment

• Art

• Athletic discipline

• A celebration of school spirit

They avoid unnecessary drama or rivalry narratives. Instead, they remind audiences that cheerdance is not about who has the loudest fanbase or the most controversy—it’s about teamwork, precision, creativity, and joy.

NU allows everyone in the squad—regardless of background or body type—to shine based on skill and hard work. This equality creates a genuine sense of family and purpose.

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In Essence: NU Wins Because They Understand Cheerdance Beyond the Surface.

Their success is not about luck or popularity.
It is built on years of:

• Vision

• Structure

• Kind leadership

• Homegrown expertise

• Strong values

• Healthy training culture

• Artistic courage

NU Pep Squad doesn’t simply perform—they create a world on the mat, and invite everyone to feel it with them.

Beyond Books : When November Ends, Our Commitment to Literacy Must Continue

 

As November comes to a close, many Filipinos may not even realize that this entire month was dedicated to celebrating libraries, books, and literacy. November is not just another page on the calendar — it is Library and Information Services Month, a time meant to honor the vital role of libraries and information professionals in shaping an informed, educated, and empowered nation. It is also a time when reading, book culture, and lifelong learning are highlighted through initiatives such as National Book Week and nationwide reading programs.

Yet for many, November passed quietly.

This silence should not discourage us — instead, it should challenge us.

Libraries are more than buildings filled with books. They are safe spaces for ideas, learning, reflection, research, and truth. They serve students who dream, workers who seek knowledge, researchers who develop innovations, and citizens who simply want to understand the world better. In a time when misinformation spreads rapidly, libraries and librarians stand as symbols of verified information, critical thinking, and intellectual honesty.

Licensed librarians in the Philippines have taken an oath to serve with integrity, professionalism, and dedication. They are committed to protecting access to reliable information, promoting ethical use of knowledge, and guiding every Filipino toward becoming a responsible consumer and sharer of information. Their work is essential — not only in classrooms and universities, but in democracy itself.

However, it is not just the responsibility of librarians to promote literacy. Every Filipino has a role to play.
Parents can read with their children.
Teachers can encourage curiosity beyond the classroom.
Students can choose learning over laziness.
Communities can support local libraries.
Leaders can invest in education and information access.

As November ends, let it not mark the end of our awareness — let it mark the beginning of our commitment.

Next year, we can do better.

We can participate more actively in library programs.
We can share the importance of reading on social media.
We can donate books and volunteer our time.
We can visit libraries more often.
We can teach others to fact-check, verify sources, and value the truth.

A nation that reads is a nation that thinks.
A nation that thinks is a nation that chooses wisely.
A nation that chooses wisely is a nation that can rise.

Let November not be forgotten. Let it be remembered as a reminder: knowledge is power, reading is freedom, and libraries are the heart of a truly educated Philippines.

And next year, together — we will do better.

Licensed Librarians in the Philippines: Guardians of Truth and Champions of Freedom of Information

 

Licensed Librarians in the Philippines: Guardians of Truth and Champions of Freedom of Information

In an age where misinformation spreads faster than truth, society needs trusted professionals who can stand as guardians of verified knowledge. In the Philippines, licensed librarians and Information Literacy professionals hold a vital role in protecting the integrity of information. More than just keepers of books, they are trained experts in identifying credible sources, organizing knowledge, and guiding communities toward accurate and ethical use of information.

One of the greatest strengths of librarians lies in their mastery of information evaluation. Through their education and professional training, they develop the ability to distinguish facts from falsehoods, detect bias, and assess the credibility of sources. This skill positions them as natural fact-checkers in a digital world where fake news, manipulated content, and misleading narratives are common. Their knowledge of research methods, citation practices, and information systems enables them to help individuals, students, and institutions verify information before sharing or acting on it.

Licensed librarians also embody the principles of integrity and impartiality. In the Philippines, becoming a licensed librarian requires passing the Librarians Licensure Examination and adhering to ethical standards set by the profession. Implicit in their oath of service is a commitment to uphold intellectual honesty, maintain professional competence, respect confidentiality, and promote the free flow of information. This oath is not merely symbolic; it reflects their responsibility to serve the public without discrimination, bias, or personal agenda.

Another defining strength of Filipino librarians is their dedication to public service. Whether in schools, universities, public libraries, government offices, or private institutions, librarians support the educational, cultural, and democratic development of the nation. They serve students seeking knowledge, researchers pursuing innovation, citizens demanding transparency, and communities striving for empowerment through education. In doing so, they contribute to the promotion of democratic values, including freedom of information and freedom of expression.

In a country where social media heavily influences public opinion, librarians can become frontliners in Information Literacy campaigns. By conducting workshops, creating awareness programs, and teaching critical thinking skills, they help citizens become more discerning consumers and producers of information. They empower people to ask questions such as: Who created this? What is the evidence? What is the purpose? These simple questions are powerful tools against manipulation and deception.

Furthermore, Filipino librarians are guided by compassion and a deep sense of responsibility. They serve not for recognition, but for the belief that access to accurate information is a human right. Their work supports lifelong learning, informed decision-making, and meaningful participation in society. In this way, their profession is closely aligned with nation-building.

In conclusion, licensed librarians in the Philippines are more than information managers — they are guardians of truth, defenders of knowledge, and advocates for freedom of information. As the world continues to struggle with misinformation, their role becomes not only relevant but essential. It is through their strength, ethics, and unwavering dedication to service that truth can remain accessible, protected, and respected.

“From Serving Tables to Serving Knowledge: How Learning Sparked Tiffany Paovella’s Path Toward Librarianship”

 

From Restaurant Hustle to Tech Dreams: Tiffany Paovella’s Journey with Verizon Skill Forward

In the quiet town of Ossining, New York, Tiffany Paovella once found herself juggling the fast-paced demands of running a restaurant and the responsibilities of raising three teenagers. While the food service industry had once fueled her passion, the constant unpredictability and long hours began to wear her down. Tiffany longed for something steadier—a career that could provide both stability and growth for her family’s future.

Her journey toward change began unexpectedly at the local library, where she took a part-time job. Surrounded by shelves of knowledge and opportunity, Tiffany decided to continue her education, building on her associate’s degree through an online bachelor’s program. One day, while scrolling through social media, she came across an ad that would change her path: Verizon Skill Forward.

“I saw an ad that said, apply if you would like to learn about STEM courses that are available for free,” Tiffany recalled. “And I was like, if it’s for free, it’s for me.”

Curious and motivated, she signed up. To her delight, Skill Forward’s flexible, online format fit perfectly into her busy schedule. The wide selection of courses opened new doors—offering her access to cutting-edge lessons in technology, coding, communication, and business. “All these skills are useful and play into getting a job in this field,” she shared. “The more you have, the more beneficial. This is the future and where the demand is.”

Through Verizon Skill Forward, Tiffany found not just education but empowerment. The program’s mission—to help 50,000 individuals prepare for the jobs of tomorrow by 2030—resonated deeply with her. By providing tuition-free access to over 250 courses across 84 professional certificate programs, Verizon’s initiative gives learners like Tiffany the tools to transform their lives and careers.

Her story is a testament to how determination, opportunity, and the right program can reshape one’s future. For Tiffany Paovella, the shift from restaurant owner to aspiring tech professional marks more than a career change—it’s a story of rediscovery, resilience, and hope.

To learn more about how you can begin your own transformation, visit Verizon Skill Forward today.

credits : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJBVD3yLKdY