The San Carlos City Public Library in Negros Occidental, in coordination with Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Office, donated various reading materials to San Carlos City District Jail (SCCDJ), on March 9.
The activity is in line with the celebration of the 64th Public Library Day with the theme “Investing Public Libraries is Investing People’s Lives.”
At least 418 reading materials, including newsletters and books, were turned over by City Mayor Renato Gustilo, Vice Mayor Christopher Paul Carmona, SP Member Victoriana Cabili, and City Librarian Stella Fetiluna, to Jail Warden Felix Sariana of the SCCDJ.
Gustilo stressed that the donation was realized through the program headed by Vice Mayor Carmona.
Carmona said that one of the programs of the library is to distribute books to areas in need of such and that persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) should be given those materials for them to redirect their attention on reading rather than focus on their situations inside the facility.
He added that education is important which is why one of the SP’s programs is to donate books which cannot be done without the support of Mayor Gustilo.
He also encouraged the PDLs not to waste time, and read books to become aware of what’s happening outside the jail.
Sariana reminded the PDLs to be serious about changing their lives and he hoped that they will continue their good work, and help themselves start a better life.
He also extended his gratitude to the local government for the continuous support which he did not experience from other LGUs in his 20-year career.
PDL Bonn, one of the top book borrowers, said the materials kept him mentally well, especially during the pandemic, and expand his knowledge.
PDLs who were top book borrowers were also recognized and received books.
City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Joe Recalex Alingasa Jr., IEC team leader Marietta Lomocso and other personnel of the city library were also present during the turnover.
Meanwhile, the city library recently received 359 pieces of various books from Colin Hunter, a US citizen married to San Carlos City resident Helen Leduna.
Fetiluna said that some of the books will be added to the library’s collection while others will be donated to schools and barangays.
She added that donation was the fourth they received from Hunter.*
