Cebu City library now open 24/7

CEBU, Philippines — Starting today, the 99-year-old Rizal Memorial Library and Museum Building in Cebu City will start operating round-the-clock.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña made the announcement yesterday on his Facebook page, saying it’s the city government’s new priority due to strong public demand.

“Mitch Roldan, two days ago, I said that Rizal Library’s hours will be extended to midnight starting Friday. I lied. 24/7 operation will commence tomorrow (today),” the mayor’s status read.

Roldan, a Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) senior student, was the one who made the suggestion on Osmeña’s Facebook page.

Roldan asked the mayor to consider opening the public library 24 hours a day so students like her won't need to hang out at fast food restaurants to study.

Osmeña said, “we need this program to help the students. The job of the government is to provide service and this is what we are doing now.”

Annabeth Cuizon, assistant city administrator, hopes that the students will take part in preserving the public library, which will turn 100 years on April 13, 2019.

She said the students can use the facility and the books for free.

Also, she said the city government is now starting to coordinate with a telecommunication company to upgrade the library’s existing wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) connections vital in students’ research.

“This is very challenging because we have no additional budget for the additional operation of the facility but we need to do this because it’s a demand,” she told The FREEMAN.

Cuizon said additional budget, which has yet to be determined, is needed for the personnel, additional air conditioning units, monthly Wi-Fi payment, electricity and water bills, and additional books, among others.

Outlets or charging ports for laptops will also be installed, said Cuizon.

At least seven existing employees of the library have started the three shifts for the continuous operation of the facility.

Cuizon said at least four employees from other departments were pulled out to augment the library’s manpower.

She said the city will also ask the police to heighten and improve the police visibility in the area.

For visitors’ convenience, the city will also put up a mini-canteen where students can buy affordable coffee and biscuits. A printer and photocopier will also be available.

“The primary purpose is for the convenience of the students. Secondary na ang to generate funds for other expenses of the library,” Cuizon said.

Since the library can only accommodate 150 people, Cuizon said the city will be transferring the City Tourism Office to City Hall so that the place will be converted into a study area for the students.

She said the Sinulog Hall will also be renovated in the future. (FREEMAN)