Archival graces relaunch of cebu city public library

CEBU CITY — The Cebu City government has formally reopened the Cebu City Public Library (CCPL) for 24/7 operations, reintroducing a pioneering initiative that highlights inclusive and accessible education for all.

The CCPL, first introduced in 2018 during vice mayor Tomas Osmeña’s earlier term as mayor, was relaunched on June 30 with Mayor Nestor Archival and Osmeña gracing the ceremony.

Archival said the initiative is rooted in the city’s commitment to youth empowerment through accessible learning facilities. He emphasized that the city wants not only to grow the library but also to help students and the youth grow through it.

Eight Cebu City councilors joined the relaunch event: Nice Archival, Michelle Abella, Harold Kendrick Go, Paul Labra, Jose Abellanosa, Alvin Arcilla, Harry Eran and Francis Esparis.

Vice Mayor Osmeña recalled how the original 24/7 library began with a social media message and became a first in Philippine history. He shared that students had since expressed their gratitude, with some crediting the library as a key factor in their academic success.

Osmeña also revealed that the library’s underused second floor, currently serving as a museum, would be converted into a new study center to accommodate more users.

He said that existing barangay chapels across the city could also be transformed into additional study areas.

For him, the current facility is no longer sufficient to serve the growing needs of Cebu City residents.

Archival laid out improvement plans, including powering the library through solar energy within six months. He said that while the library now has fast computers, internet connectivity remains slow and will be upgraded.

Additional air-conditioning units will also be installed for user comfort.

To support the 24/7 setup, CCPL officer in charge Iris Wenceslao said a shifting schedule for staff is already in place.

The relaunch also placed focus on inclusivity for persons with disabilities (PWDs), particularly the visually impaired.

Wenceslao said that people with visual impairments can already benefit from the library’s Braille technology, which decodes and reads texts aloud.

Former Commission on Elections commissioner Rowena Guanzon, who attended the event, suggested that the library adopt more assistive tools, such as audiobooks, to better serve PWDs.

With its doors once again open every hour of the day and every day of the week, the Cebu City Public Library continues its mission as a hub for learning, inclusion and community growth.