A Day at the National Library

Today, I visited the national library for the very first time. It was a pleasant experience although there were some things that I did not expect such as having to register for a membership. The process was very easy, though and the staff were very helpful. 

Upon entering the building, I immediately noticed the very nice interiors. The lobby looked like it belonged to a hotel and not a public library.

Inside the actual library, it looked more like the library we all know. Although it would have been nice if the library itself looked as nice as the lobby.

Clients get two hours of free wifi which was quite useful since the data connection was weak inside the building.

The library catalog was also a surprise because it was not just a search engine like the one I was used to back when I was still studying. This one worked more like an e-commerce website where you ordered books and then check them out.

The people who got the books for you were also quite quick. When we got to the counter to get our books, they were already ready so there was zero wait time.

I checked out these books on Chavacano and Zamboanga City.

I also donated a copy of Voces del Alma.

It was my first time being inside a library again in almost twenty years and I forgot how relaxing it could be. I told my friend that it was better than hanging out at a coffeeshop. My nervous system never felt calmer.

The National Library is located near the U.N. Avenue LRT station and people should definitely visit it even just to experience the nice AC and the quiet which is non existent in this city.