Book Nook Philippines

Book Nooks are reading centers in indigenous and highly populated areas around the Philippines. The NBDB helps partner groups establish these sites and supplies them with over 1,000 brand new Filipino-authored print books.

We also conduct workshops on teaching children to read, writing, site management, cataloguing, and fundraising and networking strategies, among others. To date, the NBDB has 88 sites from Abra to Tawi-Tawi.

APPLY TO GET A BOOK NOOK NOW !

Below, we list everything you need to know to set up your own Book Nook.

Eligibility

You can apply for a Book Nook if you have:

A safe, clean space to store the books and hold small programs or workshops.
A team of 3-5 capable personnel who are committed to operating a sustainable Book Nook.
The ability to financially support the maintenance and general operations of your Book Nook.

Be a Book Nook partner!

Past Book Nook recipients include:

Local Government Units
Public Schools
Non-government Organizations
Libraries
Foundations
Government Agencies
Homeowner's Associations

Requirements for non NBDB-registered applicants

Organizational mandate
Link to your organizational profile, social media, and sample programs
Site specifications (exact address, municipality description, size in square meters)
Details on funding counterpart
Statement on why you want a Book Nook in your area (200 words maximum)
Company Profile
For Civil Society Organizations: Certficate of Good Standing or Acceptance of Output from last government organization grantee (if any — optional)
Copy of SEC, DTI or CDA Certification of Registration
BIR Certificate of Registration
Updated Articles of Incorporation
Valid government ID of representative
Updated Audited Financial Statement for the last three (3) years
Tax Identification Number - only for individual applicant
Updated Income Tax Statement - only for individual applicant

Requirements for NBDB-registered applicants

Organizational mandate
Link to your organizational profile, social media, and sample programs
Site specifications (exact address, municipality description, size in square meters)
Details on funding counterpart
Statement on why you want a Book Nook in your area (200 words maximum)
Company Profile
Certficate of Good Standing or Acceptance of Output from last government organization grantee (if any) - for Civil Society Organizations
Valid government ID of representative
Updated Audited Financial Statement for the last three (3) years
Tax Identification Number - only for individual applicant
Updated Income Tax Statement - only for individual applicant

Apply before March 9, 2023!

Application Form

Click here ⤵

FAQs for Applicants

What will accepted Book Nook partners receive?

A curated selection of over 1,000 brand new books, all Filipino-authored.
Workshops and technical guidance on operations and readership development.
Inclusion in our growing Book Nook partner community!

Will we receive financial assistance from NBDB?

No, partners do not receive stipends. However partners can apply for Hibla-Lokal Filipina: a site-based series of workshops for readership promotion.

Once I am accepted, may I customize the book list for my Book Nook?

No. The partners for each cycle receive a standard book package. This package, however, is adjusted depending on the determined demographic of the site. For example, a new Book Nook in a daycare will receive a larger percentage of NBDB-curated children's titles, and no mature content.

Who will staff the Book Nook?

We recommend Book Nook partners to assemble a five-person staff. Three advisers will comprise the vision team, and two coordinators with a background in the education sector (teachers, librarians, etc.) will implement the general site operations.

NBDB will support the staff with technical trainings.

What kinds of sites are you looking for?

Sites in highly-populated areas across the country. They do not need to be near city centers.

These include transport terminals, markets, orphanages, jails, baranggay centers, homes for the aged, and other strategic community hotspots.

When will I learn my acceptance status?

Please expect the results of Phase 1 after March 15, 2023. You will be notified via email, and will begin the pre-acceptance training webinars. Those who pass the training phase will then receive their final Book Nook partner acceptance within April - May 2023.

May individuals apply for a Book Nook?

Yes! You may apply as long as you have 1) an appropriate space, 2) personnel, 3) funding.

I understand that Book Nook applications are competitive. What makes a successful application?

Complete application documents.
Compliant applicants who prove their dedication during the pre-acceptance training phase, which consists of 8-10 technical webinars on sustainable action planning, programming, filing systems, and various readership development skills.
Applicants whose chosen sites are far from existing Book Nooks—we want them spread out as much as possible.
Applicants with sites that are appropriate and safe for children, have enough space for small community events, and can store the books in a sustainable manner—with proper shelving and protection from the elements.

FAQs for Visitors

Are there books in our language?

Our books are in Filipino, English, Ilocano, Kapampangan, Bikol, Kinaray-a, Cebuano, Waray, Maranao, Maguindanaoan, and more languages from around the country. We want kids to write stories in their mother tongue!

What kinds of reading materials can we find at the Book Nook?

Filipino-authored fiction, non-fiction, and reference books about culture, history, art, environment, health, science, identity, and diversity. Let us know if there are books that you would like to see in the Book Nook!

Do I have to pay to borrow a book?

No, borrowing is free!

When can I visit a Book Nook?

Book Nook sites are open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Can anyone visit the Book Nook?

Yes, everyone is welcome to enjoy our carefully curated books! About 65-70% of our titles are for kids and teens, and about 30-35% are dedicated to adults.

Areas around the archipelago and near the communities of our Indigenous Peoples such as the T'boli, Blaan, Ayta Magbukon, and Teduray are our priority.

Check if there's a Book Nook near you!

Visit our interactive ⤴ map here!

Number of Book Nook sites:

Luzon

Visayas

Mindanao

"As a student, minsan kapos sa pambili ng libro to support yung requirements sa school.

Na-realize ko po na ang Book Nook malaking tulong yung naibigay nila. Imbes na gumastos kami ng pambili namin ng libro sa school ay nahahanap namin dito. Hindi lang ho ako pati rin ang mga kabataan ngayon.“

— Ivory, Book Nook Tambler,

General Santos City