Manila is set to redefine public learning spaces with the construction of a five-story library in Sta. Cruz that blends modern technology with community-centered design. Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso announced that the new facility will feature Apple computers and devices to attract students and young learners when it opens.
The project, known as the Manila–San Francisco Friendship Library, broke ground on September 15 along Alvarez Street, replacing an 80-year-old structure. Domagoso said he is optimistic that the facility’s high-tech appeal will resonate with today’s youth while still serving as a hub for lifelong learning.
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A Library for All Generations
The new library will house a children’s section, study areas, a librarian’s office, four offices, warehouses, and a pantry. While traditional books will remain central, Domagoso emphasized that digital tools will make learning more accessible across all ages—from children to seniors.
“By introducing Apple computers and devices, we hope to make the library appealing to the younger generation while ensuring equal access to knowledge for everyone,” Domagoso said during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Mylene Villanueva, Officer-in-Charge of the Manila City Library, noted that this initiative builds on Manila’s recognition as the “Most Innovative Public Library” by the National Library of the Philippines, awarded for its digital literacy program for senior citizens. She explained that the new facility seeks to sustain that momentum and extend resources to more communities.
Investing in Public Spaces and Education
Domagoso described the project as part of the city’s wider strategy to meet the “minimum basic needs” of residents, alongside housing, healthcare, and jobs. He highlighted other major projects, such as the President Corazon C. Aquino General Hospital in Baseco and the planned College of Medicine at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, as complementary steps to expand access to education and public services.
Beyond infrastructure, the library aims to inspire a cultural shift by rekindling the habit of reading among students and promoting public spaces where communities can gather, learn, and collaborate. With technology integrated into its design, the library offers an opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional literacy and digital learning, enticing more young people to discover the value of knowledge.
For students, the modernized facility could become a place not only for study but also for exploration, creativity, and innovation. By combining access to physical books and digital tools, it positions itself as a vital hub for Manila’s future learners.
The project represents a broader vision of how public spaces can evolve into inclusive, technology-driven centers of growth, ensuring that Manileños from all walks of life have the resources and opportunities to thrive.
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