SM Cares, the social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, concluded its nationwide Book Nook Book Donation Drive with more than 70,000 pre-loved books collected from 88 malls across the Philippines.
“When SM celebrated its 40th anniversary, the focus was not on grandeur, but on purpose: to transform this spirit of sharing into a full-fledged Book Nook Book Donation Drive,” shared Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano, Director of the National Library of the Philippines. “From that spark, the journey truly took root, born from a shared belief that stories are gifts meant to be passed on.”
From July 7 to October 15, mallgoers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao dropped off books of all kinds—from children’s books to education materials and reference titles. All donations will now find new homes in 88 public libraries and community reading centers, enriching spaces that serve more than 219,000 students, families, and educators.
A ceremonial turnover was held on November 27 at the National Library, where SM Cares handed over the books to its partner libraries.
“Through the Book Nook, we hope to nurture curiosity and creativity in every Filipino,” said Ms. Shereen T. Sy, Pioneer of the Book Nook program under SM Cares. “This initiative shows us how collective action can create lasting impact — one book, one reader, one community at a time.”
The celebration also honored exemplary public librarians who champion reading and learning in their communities. Leading the awardees was Michael “Aiko” Nagas of the City Library of San Fernando, La Union, who received the Heart of the Library Award.
Meanwhile, the Literacy Partner Award was presented to outstanding librarians across the country, including Rosena Roman of the City of Imus Public Library, Easter Wahayna-Pablo of the Baguio City Public Library, Mylene Villanueva of the Manila City Library, and Michael Pinto of the Cagayan Provincial Learning and Resource Center.
