Wanted: Filipino books, CDs and DVDs for libraries in Toronto

By Willie Jose
Ontario-Canada
May 15, 2015



Despite our growing number in Toronto, there is a dearth of  Filipino books, CDs, DVDs, e-books and other reading materials that we can use in the city’s 99 public libraries.

Recently, I had a chance to visit the Cederbrae Library in Scarborough and while I was looking for some books written by Pete Lacaba, Ricky Lee and Fanny Garcia, what caught my interest was the 3-foot, 4 -deck shelves housing only a few Filipino books, CDs and DVDs.

The number of these books and other reading materials under the collection of these libraries is quite disproportionate if we take into account that there are about   200,000 of us living in Toronto alone.

When I checked the Toronto Public Library (TPL) website, I found out that there are only a total of 303 Filipino books distributed throughput its branches and mostly these books deal about children’s stories, learning the Tagalog language, recipes, travel and Tagalog_-English dictionaries.

But what’s unbelievable is that there is one book written by Teodoro Agoncillo, "The History of the Filipino People " and it’s available only for reference not holdable, meaning one cannot check it out, one copy of F. Sionil Jose’s Three Women used only for reference, Jose Lacaba’s Edadmedya: mga Tula SA Katanghaliang Gulang, 2 copies, “Florante at Laura, one copy for reference only and Fanny Garcia’s Family Album: Mga Piling Personal Na Sanaysay/Salaysay, I copy.

We can not underestimate the power of these books, CDs and magazines to re-connect our people to their homeland-- their roots, heritage, and their culture. For the Filipino-Canadian children who are   either born or growing up in their newly –adopted country, these books. CDs, DVDs and other reading materials are a good way to understand their roots and heritage—and to get to know  “who they really are.”

Putting these Pinoy books, CDs and videos in the libraries is also an enticement for our Kababayans to patronize and to enjoy the quiet, cozy atmosphere of these libraries.

Of course, we could always say that with the advent of new technology—Internet, I-Pad, I-Phone, and tablet—almost everything is downable; if one wants to read anything in this world, all the information is just a click away.

But a book in one’s hands brings a different sensation, a different feeling—nothing beats the joy of reading a good book, a way to forget even for a little while some of life’s worries and anxieties.

Our kababayans could find it easy to use these fully computerized libraries—they don’t even need a person to help them in checking out books.

Just like in the grocery stores, you only have to swipe first your library card, pass through the checkout counter with the stuffs you want to borrow and then, leave. Doing some research work is also easy because with these computers, everything seems to be within one's reach.

The only time, you’ll probably need the help of the library’s staffs is when you have difficulty in using these computers, copy machine, or paying your fine for returning late your CDs and books.

Since these computers are linked to copying machines and scanners, even the elderly can easily do their tasks.

On seeing most of these books on those shelves were made of newsprints, not hardbound, I inquired the staff if I could give some of my Filipino books, then I was told that they want to make sure that those books to be donated are made of good quality materials.

I think there’s really a great need to mobilize the Filipino   community to take the initiative in gathering and donating Filipiniana books and other reading materials to these libraries.

Our various civic organizations and associations can even make a formal request to the TPL for the purchase of these reading materials which they deem are badly needed by the Pinoy community.

 However, if you want to donate books, CDs and DVDs, the Toronto Public Library website has provided the following   guidelines:

Gifts and Donations
•                The Library welcomes gifts of materials from individuals or groups. 
•                Gifts-in-kind to the Library's Special Collections follow the Donations of Gifts-In-Kind to Special Collections Policy.
•                The same criteria and guidelines that apply to the selection of all Library materials are used to evaluate gifts. It is understood that gifts are freely given without conditions attached, unless specifically negotiated beforehand, and that all donations will be used or disposed of as the Library deems appropriate.

Tax receipts are issued by the Toronto Public Library Foundation only for items that meet the selection guidelines and are accepted into the collection.

Here is the good news, come May 20 at 10 a.m. the Toronto Public Library (TPL) opens its 100^th branch—the Scarborough Civic Centre. In inviting everyone to attend, it says,  “ if you're planning on joining us! Can't wait to see you all! We'll be giving away more totes opening day so stop by if you can! “

See you there!