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.
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