City University of Pasay - Library

Sharing more digital libraries accessible online created by libraries and organizations in the Philippines. See comments for links!

Looking for books to read this long weekend? Check out this list of 5 websites where you can download Classic books and literature for FREE.

Why read the classics?
Reading the classics matters because they connect us to timeless human experiences, ideas, and emotions that continue to shape culture and society today. They offer rich language, enduring themes, and perspectives that help us understand history while also deepening our appreciation of modern works.

See comments for the links.

Please share these links to download books from these 5 ONLINE LIBRARIES:
*Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/
*Internet Archive: https://archive.org/
*HathiTrust: https://www.hathitrust.org/
*Open Textbook Library: https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/
*Directory of Open Access Books: https://www.doabooks.org/

Here are some libraries and organizations that provide FREE and downloadable Filipino eBooks. See comment below for the links.

I noticed that many free "online libraries" that were compiled or created during the pandemic are sadly inaccessible now. I feel like organizations and libraries who create digital library initiatives should plan for longevity and in some cases, the project will stop if the person involved or those maintaining it are no longer with the project or have stopped working in the organization.

Will be posting more free resources soon.

STEP-BY-STEP Guide for the National Library of the Philippines Researchers' Registration.

1. Proceed to Cubicle 1 at the Common Service Area to register at the first floor.

2. Present Valid ID: School, government, or employment IDs are accepted. For First time researchers, proceed to the Registration Area to get a FREE NLP Transaction Stub.
For those already registered before, you may proceed to the Readers' Area on the 2nd floor.

3. Proceed to Cubicle 2 - Complete the form, and your photo and signature will be taken.

4. Library Card or the NLP Client ID - Clients can opt for the optional NLP Client ID (PVC) for one hundred pesos (P100) only. This serves as a lifetime NLP Client ID. Please note that you can still use the FREE NLP Transaction stub for the next visits, the plastic ID card is optional.

5. Once done with the registration, clients can proceed to the Readers Advisory Desk at the 2nd Floor Reading Area.

DISCLAIMER: I am not connected to the National Library, I am only posting this for information purposes. For questions and concerns kindly direct it to them. Thanks!

NLP is located near Luneta Park in T.M. Kalaw Street, Manila.

Here are some popular online libraries where you can download books. See comments for the links!

Don’t Take Libraries for Granted

In today’s digital age, where information appears instantly on our screens, it is easy to overlook the enduring importance of libraries. Many people assume that because search engines exist, libraries are no longer essential. This assumption is not only misleading but dangerous. Libraries remain one of the most reliable, inclusive, and transformative institutions in any society. Taking them for granted means underestimating their profound impact on education, literacy, research, and community development.

Libraries are custodians of knowledge. They preserve books, manuscripts, research works, cultural records, and historical documents that shape collective memory. Long before the internet, libraries carefully organized and safeguarded information so that future generations could learn from the past. Even in the digital era, they continue to archive both print and electronic resources, ensuring that knowledge remains accessible, credible, and well-structured.

More importantly, libraries promote equal access to information. Not everyone can afford textbooks, academic journals, or stable internet connections. For many students and researchers, the library provides a quiet, safe environment for study and access to materials that would otherwise be out of reach. By offering free or affordable services, libraries help bridge educational gaps and create opportunities for people from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Libraries also nurture a culture of reading and lifelong learning. Through reading programs, workshops, exhibitions, and literacy campaigns, they inspire curiosity and critical thinking. A strong reading culture does not happen by accident; it is cultivated through consistent exposure to books and educational resources. When libraries are neglected, reading habits decline, and the intellectual strength of a community weakens.

Modern libraries have evolved far beyond shelves of books. They provide digital databases, research support, information literacy training, and technology access. Many now offer collaborative spaces, innovation hubs, and community programs that respond to contemporary needs. Their role has expanded, not diminished.

However, when libraries are taken for granted, they often suffer from underfunding, outdated collections, and inadequate infrastructure. Once neglected, rebuilding an effective library system requires significant effort and investment. Continuous support and appreciation are far more sustainable than recovery after decline.

Libraries are not just buildings; they are foundations of knowledge, opportunity, and informed citizenship. They empower individuals, strengthen communities, and preserve cultural identity. Rather than assuming they will always be there, we must actively support, use, and advocate for them. Libraries are essential pillars of progress, and they should never be taken for granted.
African Library Foundation

Top 5 Reasons to Visit the National Library of the Philippines


1. See the Original Manuscripts of Rizal’s Masterpieces

Witness the original handwritten manuscripts of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, including pages written and illustrated by José Rizal himself. These priceless national treasures are displayed in the Permanent Gallery and you can view them for free.


2. Access Rare First Editions Without Paying Millions

While collectors spend millions at auctions for rare Rizal editions, the National Library preserves multiple first editions that the public can see and study at no cost. History is accessible to everyone.


3. Explore the Permanent Gallery for Free

The library’s Permanent Gallery showcases significant historical documents and cultural artifacts that highlight the Philippines’ rich literary and intellectual heritage. It is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.


4. Experience Filipino History Up Close

Beyond books, the library preserves original documents, archives, and materials that connect you directly to the nation’s past, making history tangible and inspiring.


5. Support Knowledge, Culture, and Community Development

The National Library actively strengthens public libraries nationwide, including outreach efforts in the Province of Bataan, promoting equal access to knowledge, lifelong learning, and community empowerment.




A visit is not just about reading. It is about experiencing the heart of Filipino heritage.

Libraries: How Access to Career Resources Can Shape Your Future

Struggling to figure out what career path to take? Libraries are more than books; they are gateways to guidance and opportunity. Many libraries offer career-focused resources, mentorship programs, and workshops that help young people explore careers, build skills, and prepare for the job market.

Why it works: having access to reliable information, expert guidance, and practical workshops gives youth the confidence and direction they need to succeed. Libraries also connect learners with internship opportunities, networking events, and tools to improve resumes and interview skills.

Take action today: visit your local library and ask about career resources, share this post with someone looking for guidance, or comment below with the career skill you want to develop. Your future starts with the right information and the right support.

Libraries don’t just provide knowledge, they open doors to opportunities.