Monday, June 02, 2008 City Library opens kiddie corner
IN A bid to address the growing disinterest of children in books, a library devoted just for them was inaugurated last Sunday at the Baguio City Library.
The new section for kids at the City Library was a long time plan but was put on hold since providing Internet connection and upgrading of reference and other research materials were first on the list of the City Government.
Lack of funds also delayed implementation of the plan, said City Librarian Emilio Supsupin. The glass enclosure in the children's library and the fixtures like the playhouse, tables, chairs, posters, and books cost around P300,000. To augment the lack, Supsupin said they also solicited some books for the library.
"We view this as an extension of the day care center," Supsupin said, adding the only difference is parents would have a chance to join their children in the learning process.
"We want to create in their consciousness the beauty of reading," Supsupin said, echoing observations that children today are more inclined to watch television than read books.
The library also aims to strengthen the social skills of a child. Supsupin referred particularly to children who do not have siblings. He said a visit at the children's library teaches a child the value of sharing. The books, chairs, and even space would have to be shared with other children.
A little bigger than an average-sized room, the library is equipped with colorful tables, chairs and shelves, books, pillows with pictures of your favorite cartoon characters, cut outs of plants, animals and cartoon characters, posters of alphabets and numbers, a rubber mat representing the alphabet and a playhouse are just some of the features that would help a child learn even when they think it's all play.
And believe it or not Biblical stories and Shakespeare's classic novels are also available in the library. "Children learn by what they see, that's why the books have accompanying pictures," Supsupin added.
By instilling the value of reading while they are young, Supsupin said they would carry this on until they become adults. "When we teach them the value of and appreciation for reading, they become empowered citizens in the future."
Entertainment is also provided in the library. Every Saturday morning, staff from the City Library invites volunteers to perform before the children and their parents.
During Sunday's inauguration, volunteers from the National Library did a puppet show and a story adaptation of the classic tale "Ang Langgam at ang Kalapati". A small stage was prepared for the puppet and show, at the periodicals section of the library.
Around 20 children were the first ones to use the library on Sunday.
"We also want to teach them the proper values," Melanie Ramirez of the reference division of the National Library. She said the Baguio City library is one of the few libraries which have a section meant only for children.
Ramirez, together with three other employees from the National Library, came up to Baguio to perform for the children.
Ramirez said the city of Baguio is lucky to have one, other libraries could not pursue a children's library because only a few visit public libraries.
Supsupin said they intend to have a regular mini-theater show and story telling every week. He said they will rely on volunteers in the meantime but later on request the City Council to allot funds for the hiring of artists who can perform for the children.
If funds are not enough, Ramirez said the National Library will train staff of the City Library so they could perform on weekends. "Training for children's shows is one of the services offered by the National Library," she added.
The City Library is located right across the Children's Playground in Burnham Park. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. (RO)
