World's largest floating library arrives in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manilans will have their last chance to visit or shop for books as the world’s largest floating library the MV Doulos, fondly called by national leaders as the ‘Grand Old Lady of the Seas,’ makes its final call in Manila this week.

MV Doulos, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest active ocean-faring passenger ship, will berth at Pier 13 of the Manila South Harbor from March 6 to 30 for the final leg of its two-month Philippine sojourn.

Vice President Noli de Castro and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim have been invited as guests of honor and speakers on opening ceremony today for the floating library.

While in Manila, the 6,818-ton vessel would be open to the public, notably students, professionals and book lovers who may want to see what its library has to offer.

The ship carries more than 6,000 English titles covering a wide range of subjects – from children’s books to management to science. These books, along with a wide collection of CDs, cassettes, and stationary items would be on display and for sale.

The visitors would also have the chance to meet with the ship’s 330 crewmembers who came from over 50 countries, among them volunteers and students who receive no pay and are even bankrolling their expenses on board.

She is history by itself.

Built in 1914, MV Doulos is two years younger than the ill-starred Titanic, and has a rich history, highlighted by a series of transformation, change of ownership and rechristening.

She was originally built as a freighter named SS Medina serving the Atlantic, and had a tour of duty with the US Coast Guard during World War II, then converted into a passenger ship known as SS Roman with cabins for 287 guests and dormitories for additional 694 people, and luxury liner MV Franca C doing the Mediterranean.

The ship is currently owned and operated by the German charity organization Gute Bucher fur Alle, meaning Good Books for All, which acquired it in 1977.

MV Doulos, a Greek word for “servant,” has toured the globe several times – docked in more than 500 ports in about 100 countries.

This is supposed to be her last world tour and may ultimately be de-commissioned next year.