Libraries all throughout the country are uniting to celebrate National Book Week and Library Information Services Month in a celebration of knowledge and literature. These two annual celebrations of reading and recognizing the vital role that libraries play in society offer a range of fascinating activities designed to inspire readers of all ages to delve deeper into the world of literature.

The tradition of celebrating National Book Week in the Philippines dates back to 1934, initiated by Governor General Frank Murphy. But in 1936, President Manuel L Quezon signed the Proclamation No. 109, moving the celebration from 18 to 24 June  to 24 to 30 November  annually. Since then, the National Book Week has been observed and celebrated throughout the entire country with an overarching goal of promoting the love, joy, and appreciation for reading. This 2023, the official theme is “Read, Reread, Relive!” with the primary goal to revive the genuine passion and love for reading daily and to turn reading without a purpose into reading with a real purpose.

On the other hand, the Library and Information Services Month (LISM) in November was established by Proclamation No 837, s 1991. Under the auspices of the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts – National Committee on Libraries and Information Services (NCCA-NCLIS), this year's theme is “LETS Libraries: Learning, Empowering, and Transforming Society through Libraries.” It highlights the multifaceted role of libraries in promoting lifelong learning, empowering communities, and catalyzing positive change. As hubs of knowledge, libraries play an integral part in fostering personal growth, cultivating a love for reading, and acting as catalysts for social transformation.

Xavier University Libraries marked the 33rd Library and Information Services Month and the 89th National Book Week with a Thanksgiving Mass held at the University Church on 6 November. The celebration included a series of diverse activities and contests, including Online Databases User Training Sessions, Film Viewing, eLibraryUSA and Storytelling Sessions, Photo Booth, Book Displays and Exhibits, Daily Trivia, Digital Poster Making Contest, Bookface Contest, and Book Character Costume Contest, among others. These events and contests unfolded throughout the month within the library.  The goal is to highlight the wide range of resources and services that libraries provide, from facilitating lifelong learning and community building to giving users access to a vast array of information. The library then concluded the events with a Culminating Program on 4 December.

These events serve as a reminder of how vital libraries are as inclusive, dynamic environments that change with the times and offer priceless assistance with learning, research, and personal growth. The National Book Week and Library Information Services Month celebrations further underscore the ongoing importance of libraries in creating a society that is literate and well-informed.

The following are the winners of different contests:

TOP BOOK BORROWER

(Faculty Category)

Ricardo C Santiago III                                                    (College of Arts and Sciences)
Mia Phoebe B Ajo, PhD                                                 (School of Education)
Tyron Keith Maru V Sabal                                             (College of Arts and Sciences)

(Student Category)

Avegail S Loredo                                                           (College of Engineering)
Raye Geshem G Caprico                                              (College of Nursing)
Mary Queen J Exclamador                                            (School of Law)

DAILY TRIVIA

Ryan Alfonso D Bellezas
Julian Faye G Pastor
Nicole Pauline S Logico
Haddej Riaf C Jomuad
Sharon D Lopez
Haley Sheen A Yu
Jovi Gian Delos O Reyes
Eula Marie G Vallar
Malumie C Umala
Richelle P Ramirez

DIGITAL POSTER MAKING CONTEST

First Place:                   Chet Keany G Enerio                             (College of Engineering)
Second Place:               Jovi Gian O Delos Reyes                      (College of Engineering)
Third Place:                  Mary Jastine B Antique                           (College of Arts and Sciences)

BOOKFACE PHOTO CONTEST

First Place:                   Chet Keany G Enerio                              (College of Engineering)
Second Place:               Sheena Nisha Kaur C Rajput                 (School of Business and Management)
Third Place:                  Jovi Gian O Delos Reyes                        (College of Engineering)

BOOK CHARACTER COSTUME CONTEST

First Place:                   Cyrell B Escudero                                   (College of Arts and Sciences)
Second Place:               Chet Keany G Enerio                             (College of Engineering)
Third Place:                  Gwyneth Bellree Barquin                        (School of Education)