The first batch of Philippine books, collected through the Read Philippines campaign of the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Filipino American community, was turned over to the Elmhurst Public Library last December 14, 2002. In a simple ceremony graced by the Councilwoman for District 25, Helen Sears (right on photo), and Consul Millicent Cruz-Paredes (left), representing the Philippine Consulate General in New York, a significant number of books covering Filipino values, children's literature, arts, culture and history, including a few reference and travel materials, were received by Ms. Linna Yu (center in photo), Branch Library Manager in the Queens Public Library, Elmhurst.
The books, which were donated by members of the Filipino American community in response to the campaign, were individually marked with a Read Philippines sticker acknowledging the donor. Aida Bartolome, Read Philippines coordinator for Elmhurst, and President of the Foundation for Filipino Artists Inc. says, "I'm greatly pleased to be part of a project that brings Philippine reference materials closer to our children. I have no doubt that Jose Rizal and the Philippine National Anthem will be in our children's consciousness and class reports soon."
"We highly encourage Filipino Americans from other communities to replicate what we have started in this pilot library," Consul General Linglingay F. Lacanlale urged. The best way to help is to adopt a community / school library and set-up a Read Philippines corner there. Book donations on the other hand, may come from private collections, brought back from regular visits to the Philippines, or bought brand new based on a list of titles prepared by the Consulate. New books may be sourced from a bookstore of choice, or a number of Philippine book distributors in the tri-state area, such as Casa Victoria at (201) 216-1055, Tatak Pilipino at (201) 798-0288, and the Philippine Cultural and Educational Services at (425) 646-9142, philces@earthlink.net. The list of recommended books may be viewed on www.pcgny.net/read.
"We have to keep in mind that this is a continuing project. We hope that the collection of books initially turned over from our book shower and initial book/check donors will continue to grow through the continued response of the Filipino American community," the Consul General added.
This month, the University of Connecticut Library in Storrs, Connecticut is scheduled to commence their Philippine corner set-up, under the auspices of Ms. Ruby Abreu. Passaic High School Library will follow in March, under the auspices of Ms. Zenaida Almario. Finally, the Five Corners Public Library will kick-off the Philippine collections in New Jersey this April under the co-leadership of Dr. Ellice Flores and Nimia Lacebal.
Based on the high number of Filipino American residents in these areas, the pilot libraries and their respective coordinators have been identified as follows: In Queens, New York: Elmhurst Public Library [Aida Bartolome: (718) 565-8852 or Pacita Ros (718) 845-3185]. In Jersey City, New Jersey: Five Corners Public Library [Lita Peña: (201) 432-2144 or Nimia Lacebal / Ellice Flores: (973) 338-4668]. In Storrs, Connecticut: University of Connecticut Library [Ruby Abreu (203) 357-7094].
For more information on the Read Philippines campaign, please visit www.pcgny.net/read, email philconsulateny@mindspring.com or call (212) 764-1330 ext. 310: Agnes / Ext. 601: Carissa.
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