The first Philippine library to offer 24/7 service marked a 286% increase in visitors at the end of 2018.
The Cebu City Public Library (CCPL), which opened its doors for all-day and all-night access in March 2018, reported the 286% increase in visitors on its Facebook page.
The increase to 103,528 library users in 2018 compared to 26,820 in 2017 was credited by the library to its 24/7 service which started on March 9, 2018.
The CCPL is located at the Rizal Memorial Library and Museum Building on Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City. The library capacity id 150 people on the ground floor. A second floor room can accommodate 30 people.
Students are prioritized for access to the public library. Library entrance and WiFi access are free. A snacks and beverage counter is available for those who wish to buy refreshments. Library users are advised to wear decent attire and avoid shorts, sandos, and slippers.
Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña ordered the library service to open 24/7 after a Facebook user requested for the access in a post on the city chief’s social media. Mayor Osmeña responded with a promise of implementation within days and upgraded the airconditioners, hired additional staff and guards, installed CCTV, and WiFi routers. The mayor credits student Mitch Roldan for the idea saying had she not asked for it, he would not have known it was access that is important for students.
The Cebu City Public Library first opened in April 13, 1919 as a branch of the Philippine Library and Museum now National Library of the Philippines. Aside from the usual library services it holds concerts and workshops.
