Coffee shops and coworking spaces have recently become popular in the city. Students, professionals, and virtual workers are often hanging out in these places that also usually serve coffee, drinks, and food. However, staying to study or work in coffee shops and coworking spaces often come at a price. Often, it is not the best option for students or young professionals who have tight budgets.
Did you know that there are public libraries in Iloilo City where you can stay to study, research, or work for free? Public libraries are funded by the government, and they are open for the public to serve residents in their respective areas. These public libraries in Iloilo City are free and open for all.
Soon, there will be more public libraries in the city with the support of the city government and Mayor Jerry Treñas who has revealed plans to open a library in every district.
So far, Arevalo has its own branch of Iloilo City Public Library temporarily located at the Sta. Filomena daycare center. It will eventually move to its own building in the Justice Ramon Avanceña Library currently being constructed. It has also been announced last year that the La Paz district will be building a library, the Justice Delfin Jaranilla Learning Center.
Here are five of my favorite benefits of using the public library:
Free access to knowledge and resources: Whether you want to study, read, or research, the library has books, magazines, newspapers, and online resources, you can expand your knowledge without spending a cent.
A quiet environment: Need a break from your usual place of study or is your home too distracting? The library is the perfect place to escape to. With its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, you can focus.
Community events and programs: Libraries are not just about books. They also offer a wide range of community events and programs, such as storytelling for kids and workshops. These events provide a great opportunity to meet new people and learn new things.
Access to technology: Not everyone has access to a computer or the internet, but the library does. With free access to computers and Wi-Fi, you can stay connected and up-to-date with the latest news and trends.
A safe and welcoming space: The library is a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Whether you’re a student, a senior citizen, or a parent with young children, you can feel comfortable and at home in the library.
Here are three public libraries you can go to for free in Iloilo City:
Iloilo City Public Library
Formerly located in the City Hall, the Iloilo City Public Library has transferred to a separate building last 2020. The ICPL is now located at the Graciano Lopez Jaena Learning Center and Museum, formerly the home of Ilonggo national hero. ICPL is open from Mondays to Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The Library offers study spaces and free wifi. Not only that, the library also has computers for use for those who don’t have their own gadgets. They also conduct activities and events from time to time, such as storytelling for children. Books are available for room use only (can only be read in the library). For more information, visit their Facebook page.
How to get there:
ROUTE # 3 UNGKA – ILOILO CITY PROPER VIA CPU
ROUTE # 10 TAGBAK – ILOILO CITY PROPER
ROUTE # 21 TAGBAK – FESTIVE WALK TRANSPORT HUB VIA SM CITY/ATRIA
ROUTE # 22 UNGKA – LA PAZ VIA CPU – ISATU LOOP
FIRST TOWN ILOILO: PAVIA LA PAZ JEEPNEY ROUTE
FIRST TOWN ILOILO: LEGANES DIVERSION JEEPNEY ROUTE
FIRST TOWN ILOILO: LEGANES LA PAZ JEEPNEY ROUTE
Local tip: The best landmark to tell the driver where you are headed is “Bangga CPU”, “Banana Cracker”, or “Graciano Library”.
Iloilo City Public Library – Sta. Filomena
This is the library for the Arevalo district. The library is open on Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They also conduct storytelling for kids and other activities.
How to get there:
ROUTE # 2 CALAPARAN CALUMPANG – ILOILO CITY PROPER
ROUTE # 9 MOHON – INFANTE LOOP
ROUTE # 17 VILLA BAYBAY TO ILOILO CITY PROPER VIA BONIFACIO
Local tip: The best landmark to tell the driver where you are headed is “Plaza Villa”, or “Villa Supermart” for Calumpang. And for Villa Baybay, you will alight at the gate exactly.
These jeepneys are on the other side of the Plaza Villa but you can walk going to Iloilo City Public Library Sta. Filomena:
ROUTE # 9 MOHON – INFANTE LOOP
ROUTE # 20 VILLA -JARO VIA SOOC/OÑATE/FESTIVE WALK TRANSPORT HUB
ROUTE # 23 MOHON – MANDURRIAO BUSINESS DISTRICT
FIRST TOWN ILOILO: OTON ANHAWAN JEEPNEY ROUTE
FIRST TOWN ILOILO: OTON DERECHO JEEPNEY ROUTE
Local tip: The best landmark to tell the driver where you are headed is “Plaza Villa”.
Quintin Salas Reading Center
Quintin Salas Reading Center is a popular avenue for students seeking a quiet and supportive environment to do their assignments and projects. The library is open on Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The reading center is not only a place to complete school-related tasks but also a place to nurture and foster the love for education especially the youth.
How to get there:
ROUTE # 10 TAGBAK – ILOILO CITY PROPER
ROUTE # 21 TAGBAK – FESTIVE WALK TRANSPORT HUB VIA SM CITY/ATRIA
FIRST TOWN ILOILO: LEGANES DIVERSION JEEPNEY ROUTE
FIRST TOWN ILOILO: LEGANES LA PAZ JEEPNEY ROUTE
Local tip: The best landmark to tell the driver where you are headed is “LTO”. There are pedicab you can ride going inside but you can also walk.
Nabitasan Reading Center
Nabitasan Reading Center is the latest addition to the initiative of Iloilo City Government to strengthen the educational resources of the Ilonggo community.
This facility is equipped with books, educational toys, desktop computers, and internet access.
How to get there:
ROUTE # 24 LA PAZ – FESTIVE WALK TRANSPORT HUB VIA NABITASAN LOOP
Iloilo Provincial Library and Archives Office
Iloilo Provincial Library is located at Casa Real, the old provincial capitol of Iloilo Province. They are open for study and research from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Aside from the library of books, they also have:
Recent newspapers, journals, and magazines for reading
A special collection of old books and documents related to the history of the Philippines and Iloilo Province
Childrens’ section with toys and learning materials for kids
An Archives section for the documents related to Iloilo Province
How to get there:
ROUTE # 1A BO. OBRERO – ILOILO CITY PROPER LOOP
ROUTE # 1B LAPUZ – ILOILO CITY PROPER LOOP
ROUTE # 3 UNGKA – ILOILO CITY PROPER VIA CPU
ROUTE # 5 FESTIVE WALK TRANSPORT HUB ILOILO CITY PROPER VIA SM CITY
ROUTE # 9 MOHON – INFANTE LOOP
ROUTE # 10 TAGBAK – ILOILO CITY PROPER
ROUTE # 11 LA PAZ – ILOILO CITY PROPER VIA ISATU
ROUTE # 15 MOLO – ILOILO CITY PROPER VIA BALUARTE LOOP
ROUTE # 19 BITO-ON- LAPAZ VIA COASTAL LOOP
ROUTE # 24 LA PAZ – FESTIVE WALK TRANSPORT HUB VIA NABITASAN LOOP
Local tip: The best landmark to tell the driver where you are headed is “Capitol” or “Casa Real”.
For directions to other libraries in the city, see Ultimate Commute Guide to Libraries in Iloilo City
Librarians’ Tip: If you are a graduate of one of the universities in Iloilo City, alumni can often access their school’s library and library services for free. Contact your college and university librarian for information.
