In Iloilo City, public plazas once known primarily for leisure and recreation are undergoing a quiet yet profound transformation. Through the establishment of Outdoor Libraries, these communal spaces are becoming vibrant hubs for reading and lifelong learning—an initiative aimed at making books accessible and nurturing a love for reading among Ilonggos, especially the younger generation.

For the Iloilo City Government, the project goes far beyond simply putting books on shelves.

“We want our plazas to be places where children can play, dream, and discover the joy of reading. By bringing books closer to the people, we are investing in the future of every young Ilonggo and building a community of lifelong learners,” said Mayor Raisa Treñas.

The public response has been highly encouraging, drawing more than 5,00 visitors in just a year since the first outdoor library opened.

Impact Across the Districts

The initiative has seen impressive engagement across its various locations, with diverse materials capturing the community’s interest.

The Plaza Libertad Outdoor Library, which opened on June 23, 2025, recorded a total of 1, 440 visitors as of June 26, 2026.

At the Mandurriao Outdoor Library, which opened on June 1, 2026, a total of 590 individuals visited during its first month of operation alone.

The Molo Outdoor Library, which opened on November 1, 2025, has likewise become a welcoming space for readers in the district, logging 705 total visitors.

Meanwhile, the Jaro Outdoor Library, which began operations on January 30, 2026, welcomed a total of 2,735 clients.

Across the city’s Outdoor Libraries, children’s books and storybooks have emerged as the most popular materials, followed by literature, fiction, and general interest titles. Textbooks, Filipiniana materials, local history books, government publications, pocketbooks, encyclopedias, and other non-print resources have also seen significant use. Beyond reading materials, families and young learners have actively engaged with educational toys, puzzle games, board games, and other interactive learning activities.

These Outdoor Libraries have also become venues for meaningful community engagement. They regularly conduct activities such as storytelling sessions and coloring activities, particularly for Day Care learners, while also serving as platforms for important advocacies, including anti-smoking campaigns and other educational initiatives.

Redefining Public Spaces

Behind these statistics are countless stories of curiosity and connection—children reading their first storybooks, students finding a serene place to study, and families sharing quality time over literature.

“At a time when digital distractions increasingly compete for the attention of young people, the Outdoor Libraries offer a refreshing alternative—an invitation to slow down, pick up a book, and immerse oneself in the world of stories and ideas,” the city mayor added.

By embedding these libraries within plazas, the city is redefining how residents interact with public spaces. They are no longer just venues for exercise or social gatherings, but open-air classrooms where education extends beyond traditional walls.

A Community Effort: Partnerships and Collaboration

The success of Iloilo City’s Outdoor Libraries is a testament to the power of public-private collaboration. The Iloilo City Government extends its heartfelt gratitude to the civic-minded Ilonggo families who partnered with the city to bring these learning spaces to life.

The Jaro Outdoor Library was made possible through the support of the Ledesma family, while the Molo Outdoor Library stands as a product of the generosity of the Segovia and Salas families. In Mandurriao, the Ongsico and Jalandoni families helped transform the vision of an accessible community library into reality.

Equally deserving of recognition is the Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC), led by Administrator Ma. Mathilde Treñas. TIIC instructors and students skillfully constructed the physical outdoor library structures as part of their commitment to community development and education.

Expanding the Vision for Literacy

The outdoor libraries are part of a broader, aggressive push for literacy across the city. Alongside these plaza facilities, Iloilo City has established major institutional learning centers, including the Dr. Graciano López Jaena Learning Resource Center and Museum, the Chief Justice Ramon Avanceña District Library, and the Justice Delfin Jaranilla Library.

Additionally, the city has converted portions of seven daycare centers into functional reading and study spaces. This network will soon grow with the upcoming opening of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and Reading Centers in Calumpang and Ungka.

One book and one reader at a time, Iloilo City is successfully nurturing a generation that views reading not as a rigid requirement, but as a lifelong habit, a genuine pleasure, and a pathway to a brighter future.