Balanga Modern Library
BALANGA, Bataan, (PIA) — The local government of Balanga opens today its new City Library that is purposely located near commercial malls to win back students into reading through innovative facilities.
Former Senator Manny Villar will lead at 7 pm the inauguration of the three-story, 300 square meter edifice which was built as part of the city hall, making up the facade.
The library is surrounded by the province’s main shopping centers like the Center Plaza Mall, Galeria Victoria, Ocampo’s Mall, and the soon-to-open Plaza de San Jose Building.
“Children like to go to malls and if the library is far, they will not take it into consideration. This (putting the library near) is one way to balance the study habit of the child,” city administrator Rudy De Mesa said.
Library use is free including the use of laptops with Internet connection.
A student conference room is also present to be used by the students for their meeting.
The facility has separate areas of learning specifically intended for children, elementary, high school and college students with appropriate gadgets, reading materials, and furniture.
De Mesa disclosed that the city government is planning to turn the third floor, which is the roof deck, into a student lounge with either a cafeteria or coffee shop.
“We are conceptualizing to make it a student lounge so when the students want to breathe after studying or researching, they can go there and relax,” he said.
Diocese of Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos will bless the library alongside Governor Albert Garcia, 2nd District Rep. Enrique Garcia, Jr., Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III, Vice Mayor Noel Joseph Valdecañas, members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, and guests.
Prior to this, the Interactive Fountain in front of the Galeria Victoria will be switched on as well as the Christmas lights around the city plaza.
A Panuluyan, or the Christmas ritual staging the search of the Holy Family for a place to stay in Bethlehem for Jesus Christ’s birth, will be presented by the U-Town Performers before the switch-on and inauguration ceremonies. (CLJD/JMG-PIA 3)
