SM Supermalls and National Library of the Philippines Launch Nationwide Book Donation Drive to Combat Misinformation and Promote Literacy
URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan – In a joint effort to combat the spread of misinformation and promote literacy, SM Supermalls and the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) have launched a nationwide book donation drive, aiming to collect 40,000 books by October this year. The initiative, dubbed the SM Book Nook donation drive, kicked off on Monday in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, with the first donations pouring in from enthusiastic community members. The collected books will be distributed to the NLP, its affiliated libraries, and expanding SM Book Nook reading hubs across the country, ensuring access to reliable information and fostering a love for reading among diverse communities.
The project addresses the growing concern surrounding the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age, particularly among children. Urdaneta City librarian Bernardine Gravela emphasizes the crucial role of reliable reference materials in navigating the overwhelming influx of online information. She highlights the importance of equipping children with critical thinking skills through access to credible sources, enabling them to make informed decisions and discern fact from fiction. The SM Book Nook donation drive aims to provide precisely that – a dependable source of information to counter the prevalence of misleading content online. Beyond children, Gravela underscores the significance of reading for all age groups, advocating for continuous learning and knowledge acquisition.
Gravela commends the SM Book Nook project as an exemplary community engagement initiative by NLP and SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls. She stresses the careful selection process undertaken by librarians in traditional libraries, ensuring the quality and reliability of the available books. This rigorous curation process distinguishes library resources from the often-unverified information found readily online. Amidst the vast and easily accessible content on the internet, Gravela emphasizes the continued relevance and trustworthiness of curated library collections.
SM City Urdaneta Central assistant mall manager Christine Rosario explains that the donation drive encourages the participation of mallgoers, tenants, partners, and surrounding communities. By donating quality books, they contribute to a valuable resource that benefits children, families, and readers from all walks of life. Rosario reiterates the dual purpose of the collected books: a portion will be donated to the NLP and its affiliate libraries, while the remainder will support the expansion of SM Book Nook reading hubs within more SM malls and partner institutions nationwide. This dual approach maximizes the impact of the donated books, ensuring they reach a wide audience and further the initiative’s goals of promoting literacy and accessible information
The ambitious target of 40,000 books necessitates widespread participation. To facilitate the collection process, specially designed donation boxes have been strategically placed in all SM malls nationwide, serving as official drop-off points for contributions. Donors are encouraged to contribute pre-loved books that are in good condition – complete, clean, dry, and free from major damage. Accepted donations include a wide range of genres, including fiction and non-fiction titles, children’s books, young adult literature, academic and reference books, as well as magazines and comics. This inclusive approach aims to cater to diverse reading interests and provide a comprehensive collection for the beneficiary libraries.
The SM Book Nook donation drive aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By promoting literacy and providing access to quality educational resources, the initiative contributes to SDG 4. The focus on reaching diverse communities and ensuring equitable access to information supports SDG 10. Finally, the collaborative partnership between SM Supermalls and NLP exemplifies SDG 17, showcasing the power of collaborative efforts in achieving shared goals. The book drive represents a concerted effort towards building a more informed and literate society, empowering individuals with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the digital age.