In Barangay La Paz, Makati City, a unique public library operates out of a modest residence, thanks to the efforts of Hernando “Nanie” Guanlao.
For over two decades, 72-year-old Mang Nanie has transformed his home into Reading Club 2000, a community library where anyone can access thousands of books for free.
The story of Reading Club 2000 began in 2000, an important year for Mang Nanie as he approached his 50th birthday. At the time, Mang Nanie was an accountant facing a midlife crisis and financial struggles, which intensified his concerns about retirement.
Reflecting on his parents’ sacrifices to provide him with an education, he sought to honor their memory in a meaningful way. His solution was simple yet profound: he set up a small collection of books outside his ancestral home with a sign that reading was free.
Initially, the library started with just 50 books. However, the concept quickly gained traction within the community. Over the years, Mang Nanie’s library has grown significantly. Today, his home is filled with an extensive collection that continues to attract visitors who can freely pick up or return books without any membership requirements or identification.
Despite a 1994 act aimed at establishing “reading centers throughout the country,” the Philippines has fewer than 1700 public libraries. For many Filipinos, purchasing books is a luxury they cannot afford. In this context, Reading Club 2000 fills a gap, providing accessible reading materials to those who need them most.
Mang Nanie’s philosophy centers around the belief that reading is crucial for education and personal development. Reading Club 2000 operates on the principle of accessibility and generosity. The library accepts donations of all types of books, including textbooks, storybooks, and magazines. Volunteers are also welcome to assist with sorting and organizing the books, which helps in managing the extensive collection and distributing books to other communities beyond the area.
The impact of Reading Club 2000 extends well beyond Makati. Mang Nanie takes boxes of books into Manila’s neighborhoods using a specially adapted book bike. His efforts have also inspired similar projects across the country, with friends establishing comparable schemes at ten other locations and students organizing book drives to support the cause.
For those interested in contributing or getting involved, Reading Club 2000 can be reached through their official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ReadingClub2000. The library is located at 1454 Balagtas Street, Barangay La Paz, 1204 Makati City. Inquiries can be made by phone at 0977 617 0486.
Reading Club 2000 demonstrates how a simple yet dedicated initiative, driven by ideals and community spirit, can create a lasting and impactful resource. Mang Nanie’s dedication to sharing the joy of reading continues to make a significant difference in his community, proving that access to books is a vital resource for personal and educational development.
