The Library Malate

Got my library card to use the facilities to find out can't use the internet here, bummer. Must use the library data base system to research answers for the subject you want to learn about. The library is beautiful inside with security check points throughout the building.

I would like to share my appreciation for the book Mabuhay! Filipino Hospitality: Our Best Gift to the World by Benson Yuson. Reading this book has been a truly meaningful and enriching experience for me. Through this book, I gained a deeper understanding of genuine Filipino hospitality—treating every guest or visitor as family. It reminded me of the importance of sincerity, warmth, and consistency in delivering excellent service. More importantly, it inspired me to improve my mindset and approach in handling guests. This book also taught me how to go beyond expectations and create memorable experiences for others. I have learned that great service is not just about meeting standards, but about consistently exceeding them with a positive attitude. Overall, this book has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to better understand and practice true Filipino hospitality. The book was officially launched at the National Library of the Philippines on January 30, 2026, making it even more special and memorable.

Overall, a great place for research, reviews, or anyone seeking a quiet space designated for the academe. I got my PVC library card for 120 Php in less than five minutes (though it’s not a requirement). I was able to head straight to the 2nd-floor reading area immediately. While I couldn't find some of the specific old books I was looking for, the experience was still positive. The 4th-floor Gallery was the highlight. I saw some amazing historical milestones, including the Doctrina Christiana, Florante at Laura, and El Filibusterismo. I learned that this section only opened to the public in 2025. There is definitely room for improvement, especially regarding the display cases for these historically significant relics. It’s clear they are working with a tight budget. We should really advocate for more funding here; these antiques symbolize the culture, beginnings, and the starting over of the Philippines.

The staff is fine but the guard scolded me saying it's not allowed to charge airpods? like why is it not allowed? have airpods been tracked in the library? or maybe it's just the guard's fault pls explain thanks

Good talk and facilitator

Every staff is friendly, professional, and accommodating. It feels like they are inviting you to use their space more often. It has a great amount of resources, with free wifi, and airconditioned. Getting ID is fast and cheap at 120 pesos. The reading area is suitable for studying and locking on. I found a gem I will again once I'm back. Their CR are clean too.

Please create more Public Libraries and Study Areas anywhere in the Philippines, it's hard to study especially when you are working students. huhuhuhuhu

Registration is free and only takes around 5 mins. After that, you get a piece of paper with a barcode in it that'll be used to enter the rooms there. You can have your ID printed in a PVC Card for PHP 120.00. At the 2nd floor is the library, it's airconditioned and has plenty of seats and outlets. You need to scan your ID going in and going out. At the 4th floor is the Childrens Library, and above it is the Gallery. I was not able to go inside the childrens library becasue it's for kids and kids guardians only. The Gallery was really cool, it features important literary works preserved and archived like Jose Rizal's famous works — Noli Mi Tangere, El Filibusterismo, his comics, etc. They also have a copy of the Murillo Velarde map there. There's also a room there where you can see the actual process of archiving and preserving the books.

November 2025 Part of the mandate of the library is to offer its facilities for use during weekends. Was able to participate in the yearly NARA conference recently held there where they alloted some time to have a talk about the library and its collections as well as its newly opened Children's wing. The library is only open for limited times during weekends only.

Ive been there for a field trip on November 7th, and since that a important figure of the government had came to arrive at the same peroid, i get to see the tour in a screen, presented by the librarian. Its a really fun alternative that got my attention, HUGE HUGE recomendation to teachers or organisers who wanted a fun trip for thier students!

Although our own National Library is far behind the standard. (Even our own, just look at Quezon City and Davao’s) I would like to give commendation to the administrators for mandating everyone to have their own library card. It was seamless and it didn’t even take more than five minutes to set up. As I was researching and in need of archived, old books I was ecstatic that the National Library didn’t make it too daunting to loan books for viewing. I borrowed books aged twice as me and it came with these fast food buzzers that made me laugh. Overall, I know the National Library still needs a major overhaul, but at a micro level, I could already see the results of their attempt to modernize and make it accessible.