Entrepreneurs start library to give back

JAN McKingley Hilado and his sister Lovely Ann Marie Hilado are young entrepreneurs in Cebu who work in Internet marketing and joint venture partnerships.

Despite the demands of entrepreneurship, they found the time to create opportunities for others, using books as tools for change and success.

The two built the Books to Greatness Library and Foundation, which gives everyone access to books they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford.

Their collection includes Robin Sharma’s leadership series, Bo Sanchez’s entrepreneurial and inspirational books, Jim Rohn’s marketing books and other titles, among them the inspirational books of Rick Warren and Deepak Chopra.

“Books are expensive investments. Some are fortunate enough to invest and buy their own books while some, unfortunately, could not and don’t have the capacity to buy their own books, especially younger crowds and students,” Jan said.

They said the Books to Greatness Library and Foundation was established out of their dream to help and inspire others and to give back to a community that has supported their business.

The library is temporarily located inside their house on Rahmman St., Cebu City. The siblings are still looking for a permanent space within the city.

Aside from space, Jan added, they need other entrepreneurs to help keep the foundation running.

“Donations are being given to the foundation but we cannot depend on that alone because it is not sustainable,” Jan said.

He said he wants to tap people in the business like coffee shop owners who could set up shop inside or immediately beside the library, and support the foundation’s operations.

The Hilado siblings believe that reading books helped them get to where they are now.

“As I progress through life, I’ve also met a lot of people who have the heart and willingness to learn…and who also share the same beliefs and mindset with me,” said Jan, who recalled growing up reading books on self-development, business, wealth and success.

One of them, an entrepreneur, a marketing consultant and a book contributor to the foundation, Hanz Flores, 24, said that books are tools that helped him succeed in business.

“My life turned 180 degrees partly because of books—from an employed hustler, to a creative entrepreneur and trainer,” said Flores.

Jan admits that although he has the luxury of books at home, he was motivated to start a free library by the thought that others did not share his privileges.

“This advocacy of Jan and the Hilado family is really a great blessing and a rare opportunity for the people who want to learn how to become successful in all areas of life, especially Cebuanos who don’t have the capacity to buy great books since these books are really expensive,” said an entrepreneur and a book contributor, Danny Abellanosa, 31.

For now, the collection is modest, with about 300 titles. The Hilados are appealing for donations. For more information, see bookstogreatness.com.

“My dream and vision for Books To Greatness is that this library and foundation will spread around the country, so that we can bless others one person at a time,” Jan said in the website. Maria Jeandie O. Galolo, UP Intern