The Manila City Library has officially opened the doors to its brand-new building this November 3, 2025, marking an exciting new chapter for public access to information and community engagement. This new building will serve as the main branch of the library in the city, and is located in A.H. Lacson Avenue corner Aragon Street in Sampaloc. The Library is open to the public from Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Saturdays, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The Library was formally opened with a launching event held last October 29, 2025, just in time for its 79th anniversary.
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso led the opening of the new library building with an encouragement to the citizens to use the public libary. The new building was made possible with City Ordinance No. 1936.
The new building boasts significantly more space, allowing for an expanded collection of books, periodicals, and multimedia resources across various genres and subjects.
The Library also has a vibrant children's section. Filled with books, interactive learning tools, and child-friendly furniture, it's a place where young minds can ignite their imagination and develop a love for reading.
The Library has a mini-theater for various events.
Manileños, from kids, students, and professionals, to families and individuals, are encouraged to visit the new Manila City Library.
History of the Manila City Library
The Manila City Library traces its roots back to the period immediately following World War II.
- 1946: The library was officially established on October 28, 1946, making it one of the very first public libraries founded by the city after the war. Its original main location was at the corner of Madrid Street and San Fernando Street in Binondo.
- 1964 - 1988: Recognizing the need for a larger space, former Mayor Antonio Villegas ordered the construction of a new three-story building in 1964. This led to the relocation of the main library to the Mehan Gardens area, near the LRT Central Station, in 1988.
- Post-2000s: The library underwent further moves, being relocated to the Sining ng Kayumanggi building in Intramuros, and then transferred again in May 2013 to a spot next to the estero (creek/waterway).
- In 2020, Mayor Isko inaugurated a newly-renovated Manila City Library located in Ermita along Taft Avenue. It served as the main branch until this new building was launched this 2025.
Today, the Manila City Library serves the public with 11 branches spread across the city's six districts.
Sources:
Garcia, P. (2025, October 29). Mayor Isko urges Manileños: Take care of our libraries, preserve our love for reading. https://mb.com.ph/2025/10/29/mayor-isko-opens-manila-city-librarys-newest-home
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