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Friday, August 26, 2011

Filipino Friday: The Pinoy Book Reader

August 26 - How hard or easy is it to be a book lover in the Philippines? What are some of your frustrations as a Filipino reader (e.g. availability of books)? What are positive aspects of being a reader based in the Philippines (e.g. book prices are lower here than they are abroad)?

As far as my experience goes, access and availability of books has always been easy for me because I work in a library and I have good connections in the publishing industry. The nature of my work has allowed me easier access to books I want to read in print and online formats.

What I am frustrated about is the divide that exist between those who have access to and those who do not have access to books and reading materials. It seems, in this day and age, despite the advances in technology, reading and materials are available only to those who can afford it. Perhaps, it is time, with the ReaderCon marching around the corner, to consider translating a hobby into an advocacy.

I love books and reading so much that I would like to share this love to others. And this love stretches outside my family home and the reading communities I belong to. By actively participating in projects that foster the love of reading and the establishment of school libraries and literacy centers, my frustration turns to satisfaction. A Pinoy Book Reader can make a bit of a difference.

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6 comments:

  1. jersSaturday, August 27, 2011 9:26:00 PM

    Hobby into advocacy! Count me in. BYw, T.Z, Ate Michelle is brewing a plan to hold a storytelling festival this sembreak.

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  2. JinkySunday, August 28, 2011 9:53:00 AM

    Sounds to me that more public libraries are needed.

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  3. Zarah C. GagatigaSunday, August 28, 2011 2:58:00 PM

    jers - let me know how i can help :-)

    jinky - true. that's when the reading advocacy comes in.

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  4. ChachicSunday, August 28, 2011 8:37:00 PM

    It really is frustrating that reading isn't more popular here in the Philippines. TVs are common but not books. If only we had good public libraries, more Filipinos would have better access to books.

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  5. PatrickTuesday, August 30, 2011 1:11:00 AM

    A librarian! Can I worship you?

    Kidding aside, it's the current book lovers who have the power to make the change possible. Hobby into advocacy indeed.

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  6. Zarah C. GagatigaTuesday, August 30, 2011 10:01:00 AM

    Chachic - we book lovers know the vast difference of reading books as a hobby from watching TV and the like. for some, reading does not come easy.

    Patrick - you must have been a library geek :-) i think those who love to read should make a conscious effort at bringing books closer to those who need them. blogging is one way, but bringing the physical book to those who need it is another :-D

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