Malditang Librarian

Disclaimer: I am not connected with the National Library of the Philippines and this is the process as of 2026, which may have changes in the future.  The National Library of the Philippines (NLP) is the country’s central repository of knowledge and cultural heritage. It houses more than a  million items, including books, periodicals, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and government publications. Among its most treasured holdings are José Rizal’s original manuscripts of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, the 1898 Declaration of Philippine Independence, and the original score of the national anthem Lupang Hinirang. These collections make the NLP not only a research hub but also a guardian of the nation’s historical memory and identity. Situated along T. M. Kalaw Avenue in Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila, the library is easily accessible within the city’s cultural district. It is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, except on public holidays. Its location w...

The Opening of the New Childrens' Library was graced by First Lady Liza Marcos and NLP Director Cesar Adriano | Photos from National Library of the Philippines The National Library of the Philippines (NLP) is thrilled to announce the triumphant reopening of its enhanced Children’s Library (CL)! This vibrant, long-awaited space is now ready to welcome young readers with colorful interiors, exciting new collections, and creative learning areas, all designed to nurture a lifelong love for reading, learning, and imagination in Filipino children. The reopening of the Children’s Library, after years of planning and a comprehensive organizational and physical overhaul, marks a significant milestone in NLP's mission to promote literacy and cultural unity. The launching, held on November 7, 2025, was graced by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, along with distinguished guests, dedicated literacy advocates, children's book authors, and students from the Philippine Normal University an...

The National Library of the Philippines and public libraries throughout the country celebrate the Public Library Day every March 9. This date was chosen to commemorate the establishment of the first public library under American occupation in the Philippines which was opened in March 9, 1900. The proclamation was signed by former Philippine President Carlos P. Garcia in March 8, 1959. This 2024 will be the 65th Public Library Day in the country and the theme is "Ikaw, Ako, at ang Pampublikong Aklatan: Higit Animnapu't Limang Taong Pagtutugunan" (You, Me, and the Public Library: Over Sixty-Five Years of Helping). Below is the full text of the Proclamation number 563 series of 1959: MALACAÑANG RESIDENCE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES MANILA BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES PROCLAMATION NO. 563 DESIGNATING MARCH 9 OF EVERY YEAR AS PUBLIC LIBRARY DAY AND AUTHORIZING THE BUREAU OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES, IN COOPERATION WITH ALL OTHER PUBLIC LIBRARIES ALL OVER THE PHILIPPINES...

Official poster of the 32nd Library and Information Services Month for 2022 Table of Contents About the Library and Information Services Month Contests and Activities Webinar series Aklatan at Pamana ng Bayan Guhit at Kwento Help Promote the 2022 LISM About the Library and Information Services Month November 2022 is the 32nd Library and Information Services Month in the Philippines. The annual Library and Information Services (LIS) month held every November started in 1991 with Presidential Proclamation No. 837. The LIS month was designed for "public awareness to the invaluable service that libraries and information centers render." The theme for this year is "Mga Aklatan bilang mga Kanlungan ng Karunungan: Tagapagpangalaga ng Kultura at Pamanang Lokal" (Libraries as cradles of knowledge: Caretakers of culture and local heritage) For more information and updates on this event, visit the 32nd LISM website and follow the NLP  Facebook pag...

The National Library of the Philippines is currently hiring for four (4) Librarian II positions to be assigned in their Collection Development Division (CDD) and Reference Division (RD). Qualifications needed for the position is that applicants should be licensed librarians and have graduated Bachelor's degree in Library Science or Librarian and Information Science; or Bachelor of Science in Education or Bachelor of Arts Major in Library Science. Preferably, those who have at least one year of relevant experience and four hours of relevant training are considered. This position offers a Salary Grade 15 and the monthly salary listed is 35,097.00 pesos. Competencies required: Core Competencies Exemplifying Integrity (Intermediate)  Delivering Service Excellence (Intermediate)  Organizational Competencies Demonstrating Personal Effectiveness (Intermediate) Communicating Effectively (Intermediate) Planning, Organizing and Delivering (Intermediate) The following documents sho...

To celebrate the 135th anniversary of the National Library of the Philippines, they are launching a free book for download, Beyond National Library: The National Library of the Philippines from 2017-2022. The book is composed of 5 chapters: Chapter 1: The National Library of the Philippines (NLP) Director Chapter 2: The Management System Chapter 3: Facilities Chapter 4: Activities Chapter 5: Ongoing Projects and Future Plans The book describes the developments in the National Library from 2017-2022. NLP is always “in the pursuit of improving the different aspects of its system to fulfill its mandate and commitment” as the national library of the country. Download the book The project was made possible through the support of NLP Director Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano, Asst. Director Edgardo B. Quiros, and the teamwork and contributions of all the people behind the achievements of NLP from 2017 up to present. The National Library celebrated its 135th anniversary last August 11...

Effective January 26, 2022, the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), Bibliographic Services Division (BSD) will use an online application system through https://ins-poas.nlp.gov.ph/ for clients requesting for International Standard Book Number (ISBN), International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), and International Standard Music Number (ISMN). Applications for ISBN, ISSN, and ISMN are FREE OF CHARGE. For a list of requirements, go to the NLP website: How to get an ISBN . Publishers are to submit two (2) copies of printed books or CD/DVD or email/link of downloadable file of your ebooks, serials, ongoing continuing resources, and notated music to NLP within 30 days of publication. Interested applicants may use the QR code below to access the online submission platform: Share on Facebook: Source: Public advisory. (2022 January 26).  http://web.nlp.gov.ph/nlp/?q=node/10721

The British Library is making 40,000 historical maps in its collection available for free online. The maps are part of the Topographical Collection of King George III or the "K. Top" Collection. Aside from maps, the online collection also includes images of atlases, cartoons,  watercolors, and architectural drawings.  These images are free to view online on their Flickr Commons collection . According to the Library, "Over seven years, a team of expert cataloguers, curators, conservators and imaging specialists at the Library have worked to catalog, conserve and digitize the K.Top collection.  The collection is a distinct part of the larger King’s Library which was presented to the Nation by George IV in 1823. As a collection of maps and views that was built during the formative period of the British Empire, it is an important resource for the study of how Britain viewed and interacted with the wider world during this period. The collection consists of printed and han...