In a move aimed at giving students and young professionals more space to study and work, the Puerto Princesa City Library will begin operating daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting September 22. The extension, which includes weekends and holidays, will run on a one-month trial basis.
City officials said the initiative responds to growing demand from students who have asked for longer library access, particularly at night. “For one month, magkakaroon tayo ng trial run to see if extending library operations until 10PM works for students. If they need more time, then let’s look into extending it to 12AM or later,” the city announced.
The library, located near H. Mendoza Park, has been outfitted with free Wi-Fi provided by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), designated outlets for charging devices, and a computer section for research. With its air-conditioned, well-lit, and quiet setting, officials said it is intended to be “a conducive learning area or working space.”
To ensure the safety of students returning home late, the city has also assigned a vehicle dedicated to the library that will provide free evening transport within the poblacion area. Two trips are scheduled for now, one at 8 p.m. and another at 10 p.m. “It goes without saying, libre po ito, wala pong bayad,” the announcement read.
The plan also anticipates future energy concerns. Officials said they are “still studying the technicalities of installing solar panels next year” to back up power for the facility.
The extended hours are seen as a welcome alternative to crowded coffee shops and private co-working spaces. “Para sa ating mga students, working students, young professionals, or even freelancers, ‘di na kailangan mamroblema kung saang coffee shop pwede mag-aral o work, kasi dito, you can even stay all day if you want,” officials said.
