The Baguio City Public Library is set to enrich its collection with literary works authored and/or published by Baguio-based writers, following the passage of an ordinance encouraging local writers, authors, and publishers to submit two free copies of their printed books.
The ordinance also encourages government departments, bureaus, offices, and corporations based in the city to contribute to the library’s collection.
The submission shall be 30 days from the date of the book’s first delivery.
The book deposit shall be free to serve public interest. The city library shall strive to preserve these materials to ensure availability for future generations.
Under the ordinance, the city librarian is authorized to allocate and distribute the deposited materials for education or cultural advancement, scholarship, or research. For transparency and proper acknowledgment, details such as the book’s title, language, author, subject matter, place of printing, among others shall be recorded.
All deposited books shall be stored in the Local History Section of the city library. As a form of recognition, each contributor shall be given a commendation, plaque, token of appreciation, and shall be featured on the city library’s website and social media accounts.
The Baguio City Library Board shall issue guidelines and rules for the implementation of the ordinance to ensure the effective execution of the ordinance. Such guidelines or rules shall not apply to copyrighted works.
The city government, through the city library, may formalize the recognition of writers, authors, and publishers on any day in November, coinciding with the National Author’s Day.
The ordinance further emphasizes the vital role of knowledge and information in nation-building. It reflects the strong commitment of the city government in fostering its constituents’ awareness, competence, and productivity.
Aside from making books written by local writers more accessible to the public, the ordinance is also aimed at ensuring the preservation and enrichment of culture as embodied in these literary works which serve as repositories of collective experiences, beliefs, values, and traditions of the Baguio community.
The measure has been transmitted to the City Mayor’s Office to be signed by the local chief executive before its implementation. – Jordan G. Habbiling
